Archives: TV & Radio

A recent study by the Pew Internet and American Life project confirms that television is still the most important source of national news and information for Americans.  The survey found that 78 percent of Americans rely on television as their primary source of national news and information about the election. 

And although the study found that the Internet is playing an increasing role in the election, online Americans overwhelmingly turn to mainstream sites – often controlled by the same media conglomerates that control the mainstream media.  For example, according to the study, 20 percent of Americans who relied on the Internet for election information exclusively went to cnn.com for their political information; other top sites included MSNBC, FOX News, and sites that frequently use wire reports, such as Yahoo, MSNBC, and Google News.  Because this content comes from the media conglomerates that produce most of the rest of the news and information out there, Internet sites are hardly unique sources of information that provide interesting and varied points of view.

This study therefore underscores the need for greater diversity in our news and information – over-the-air, in the papers, and on the Internet.  A diversity of news and information on national and also local events is the lifeblood of our democracy and contributes to civic engagement and community awareness.  

Learn more about diverse media and national news sources, read about what’s at stake.