Pew study: Newspapers are vital for local issues
But TV remains the go-to source in three categories: weather, traffic, and breaking news.
Although most Americans rely on television for their weather, traffic, and breaking news, newspapers remain a vital source for a variety of other topics, according to a study by the Pew Research Center’s Project for Excellence in Journalism and Internet & American Life Project.
The study, produced in association with the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, examined how Americans learn about 16 local issues.
“Overall, the picture revealed by the data is that of a richer and more nuanced ecosystem of community news and information than researchers have previously identified,” the study said.
Newspapers (both in print and online) are a top source in numerous categories, including community events, crime, taxes, local government, arts and culture, social services, and zoning and development.
Meanwhile, respondents turned to television for their weather and breaking news; TV tied with radio as the top source for traffic; it also tied with newspapers as the most-popular source for local political news.
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