• by Ray Schultz , Columnist, May 7, 2024

More U.S. readers now get local news from online forums than daily newspapers, a shift that should drive publishers to adapt more quickly to digital. And fewer people are following news in general, although they tend to trust the coverage, judging by Americans’ Changing Relationship With Local News, a study by the Pew-Knight Initiative. 

The top source of news for 73% is friends, family and neighbors, the study reports. Second is TV news stations, which are viewed by 54% compared to 70% in 2018.   

Online forums or groups like those on Facebook are cited by 52%, up from 38% in 2018. Another 39% get information from local organizations such as churches, a 5% increase in that time period.  

In contrast, only 33% now use daily newspapers, versus 43% six years ago. Only 31% read print editions, compared to 54% who relied on print in 2018. 

But 41% now turn to websites, apps or emails and 25% go to social media. Newsletters and listserves draw 31% and non-daily newspapers 30%. 

The most popular topics are weather (90%), followed by crime (77%), traffic and transportation (68%), and government and local politics (68%). The economy is a focus for 59% and sports for 54%.

Only 13% follow international news very closely, down from 19% in 2016. Similarly, the percentage who focus on national news has dropped from 40% in 2017 to 22%. Local news has also suffered a drop in interest—22% look at it very closely, versus 37% in  2016. 

At the same time, 45% view local news outlets as extremely or very important, and 41% as somewhat so. 

Do they trust them? Actually, yes. They say local outlets are: 

• Reporting news accurately—71%
• Covering the most important stories—68% 
• Being transparent—63%
• Keeping an eye on local political leaders—61%

Pew surveyed 5,146 individuals from Jan. 22-28, 2024.