• by Ray Schultz , September 9, 2022

A solid 60% of U.S. consumers and 54% of UK consumers now prefer reading newspapers online rather than in print -- but roughly half still prefer print when it comes to magazines, according to a YouGov survey of people in both markets.

In the U.S., digital for news consumption purposes is preferred by 69% of 25 to 34-year-olds, 67% of those 18 to 24, and 51% of those 55 and older, according to a report on the results in PressGazette. 

In the UK, 70% of 18 to 24-year-olds and three-quarters of those 25 to 34, but only 36% of over-55s, prefer reading news online, with 46% of that oldest group expressing a clear preference for print. 

When it comes to magazines, 47% of Americans overall prefer print. This includes fully 61% of the 55+ group, 32% of 18 to 24 year-olds and 33% of those 25 to 34. Overall, 29% want digital magazines and 25% have no opinion. 

Meanwhile, well over half (58%) of those in the UK still say they still get more enjoyment from reading magazines in print than online.

While just 18% of UK consumers 18 to 24 prefer print magazines, print wins among all of the other age groups, edging out digital formats even among those 18 to 24.

YouGov polled nearly 56,000 consumers in the U.S. and more than 111,600 in the UK.