According to BBC World News, the largest global study to date on the consumption of news in the digital age finds that tablets complement TV viewing, and the 25-34 age demographic is the biggest news enthusiasts. The study was conducted by InSites Consulting, surveyed more than 3,600 owners of digital devices in nine countries to determine the growing impact of TV, smartphones, tablets and laptops on people’s news consumption habits.
News Consumption Time (Global Owners of 3 Devices; March 2013) | |
Device | % of Consumption Time |
TV | 42% |
Laptops | 29 |
Smartphones | 18 |
Tablets | 10 |
Source: BBC World/bbc.com/news, March 2013 |
Key findings from the study include:
Different platforms complement one another, says the report, allowing people to layer their device usage throughout the day. Smartphones and laptops are most popular throughout the working day, peaking at around 1pm. TV usage spikes dramatically from 5pm onwards, and at its peak time of 7pm TV use is 50% higher than for any other device.
In breaking news situations, 42% of users turn to television as their primary and first device, with 66% then turning to the internet to investigate stories further.
When asked to rate their most important news:
Jim Egan, CEO of BBC Global News Ltd, said: “... there’s been speculation... that mainstream uptake of smartphones, laptops and tablets will have a negative impact on television viewing... this study... found that the four devices... work well together... resulting in greater overall consumption rather than... cannibalizing...”
For more information, please visit BBC News here.