Since you're reading this on the Internet, it may sound odd to learn that television is still the main source of news for the majority of Americans - 55% according to Gallup polling. It's not just the retiree demographic either. Half of adults aged 18 to 29 and half aged 30 to 49 told Gallup they turn to TV as their primary source for news. The Internet came in next as a main source of news for 21% of Americans. Nine percent said newspapers and just six percent cite radio, but those who do skew highly educated.
But how do people define news? Do talk shows count? Also, how much original reporting is being done for television and Internet outlets? Historically, newspapers have worn out the most shoe leather while reporting on the day-in and day-out of our world. How will that continued deterioration of print readership affect journalism in the U.S.?
Guests:
Frank Newport, Editor-in-Chief of Gallup
Jeff Sonderman, Deputy Director, American Press Institute