Americans’ relationship with local news is changing. More are getting news online, and fewer are turning to sources like daily newspapers, according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted earlier this year. The survey is part of the Pew-Knight Initiative, a research program funded jointly by The Pew Charitable Trusts and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
However, one thing that has remained consistent is the importance of friends, family and neighbors as sources of local news for most Americans. In fact, they are the most common source of local news we asked about, ranking above television stations, radio stations and online forums like Facebook groups.
About three-quarters of Americans (73%) say they often or sometimes get local news from friends, family and neighbors. The next-highest source is TV stations, at 64%. In 2018, friends and family were also a common source of local news but had not yet surpassed TV.
