Study: Americans indifferent over newspapers' fate
Posted by Simon Day on March 13, 2009 at 3:16 AM
Many Americans are not concerned with the fate of their local newspaper as U.S. papers struggle against a crippling economic and industry slump, according to a Pew Research Center study, out Thursday. The report found that 43 percent of Americans feel that the loss of their local paper would damage their community's civil life "a lot" and only a third would personally miss reading the local newspaper.
The public is aware of the struggles facing the newspaper industry, with 53 percent of the group surveyed having heard "a lot" about the industry's problems. In total, 85 percent were aware of the the numerous recent closures, job cuts and bankruptcy fillings of newspaper companies across the country.
The public is aware of the struggles facing the newspaper industry, with 53 percent of the group surveyed having heard "a lot" about the industry's problems. In total, 85 percent were aware of the the numerous recent closures, job cuts and bankruptcy fillings of newspaper companies across the country.
However awareness does not capture empathy. Even from the demographic who "regularly read" the newspaper only 56 percent believed its non-existence would hurt the community. Personally, only 55 percent of those regular readers would miss the newspaper.
The younger demographic are much less concerned by the downfall of the newspaper. Only 23% of those younger than age 40 would miss the local newspaper were it to go out of business or close. The concern increases with age. Thirty three percent of those ages 40 to 64 and 55 percent of those age 65 and older would miss the presence of their local paper.
This results are paralleled by the main sources of local news. Television is the clearly favoured outlet, where 68 percent regularly find their local news. Newspapers were used by 48% of the study as a regular source for local news. While 34% uncovered local happenings on the radio.
Data for the study was collected from March 2-8, 2009 from a nationally representative sample of 1,001 adults.
The younger demographic are much less concerned by the downfall of the newspaper. Only 23% of those younger than age 40 would miss the local newspaper were it to go out of business or close. The concern increases with age. Thirty three percent of those ages 40 to 64 and 55 percent of those age 65 and older would miss the presence of their local paper.
This results are paralleled by the main sources of local news. Television is the clearly favoured outlet, where 68 percent regularly find their local news. Newspapers were used by 48% of the study as a regular source for local news. While 34% uncovered local happenings on the radio.
Data for the study was collected from March 2-8, 2009 from a nationally representative sample of 1,001 adults.
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