Amy Watson
Research expert covering media
Television has long been an integral part of Americans’ daily lives. Although once the media center of the family home, TV’s role has changed as new devices entered the market and revolutionized media consumption, but remains a popular pastime for news and entertainment alike. Data shows that U.S. adults watch close to three hours of TV per day, a number which has even increased in recent years among older adults. When it comes to news, even despite the boom in online news consumption, TV remains the go-to source of information for many, especially among older generations, who tend to favor network news above other outlets.
Adults aged 65 or above proved most likely to watch cable news every day, whereas younger consumers were less inclined to do so. Network news was also a popular news source among older audiences, 41 percent of whom reported watching network news on a daily basis. This demographic continues to drive television news consumption in general, and both cable and network news play a significant role in driving discussion in the United States.
Television news may not have gone the way of the printed newspaper, but it is not infallible. Cord-cutting is on the increase and unless TV news providers make a concerted effort to deliver relevant and nonpartisan news, their audiences will wane. In particular, TV news networks must find a way to appeal to younger audiences, an effort which may require a greater focus on disseminating content via social media and streaming services to engage and draw in young millennials and Gen Z viewers.
TV news consumption
Although a global study found that online outlets were the preferred source for news consumption in the United States, television news viewership has not been as greatly impacted by the availability of digital news as other traditional outlets. A 2022 survey revealed that the leading offline news source used in the United States was local television news, though consumption habits varied according to age.Adults aged 65 or above proved most likely to watch cable news every day, whereas younger consumers were less inclined to do so. Network news was also a popular news source among older audiences, 41 percent of whom reported watching network news on a daily basis. This demographic continues to drive television news consumption in general, and both cable and network news play a significant role in driving discussion in the United States.
Perspectives on TV news
Trust in national and local television news fell between 2016 and 2021, though local news was still considered the more reliable source. Further data showed that network and cable news ranked among the most trusted news outlets, outranked only by radio and newspapers in this respect. News audiences also turned to network and cable for what they felt to be trustworthy news on the COVID-19 outbreak. Trust is of growing importance to consumers, and as such, TV news companies must avoid aligning themselves too heavily with a political figure or movement and take care to ensure their content is accurate and unbiased.Television news may not have gone the way of the printed newspaper, but it is not infallible. Cord-cutting is on the increase and unless TV news providers make a concerted effort to deliver relevant and nonpartisan news, their audiences will wane. In particular, TV news networks must find a way to appeal to younger audiences, an effort which may require a greater focus on disseminating content via social media and streaming services to engage and draw in young millennials and Gen Z viewers.
