The Web is the primary source of news and information, according to 48% of respondents to a February Zogby International Poll commissioned by iFOCOS.
Television was the main source of news for 29% of respondents, followed by radio with 11% and newspapers with 10%.
Unsurprisingly, the preference for online news
was more pronounced among younger adults. About 55% of those ages
18 to 29 said
they got most of their news and information online, compared with
35% of those ages 65 and older.
Two-thirds of respondents said that traditional journalism was out of touch with what Americans wanted from their news and 64% were dissatisfied with the quality of journalism in their communities.
The dissatisfaction was concentrated among self-identified conservatives and independents, 79% and 75% of whom were dissatisfied, respectively.
"The challenge for traditional news companies
is complex," said Andrew Nachison, co-founder of iFOCOS.
"They need to invest in new products and services - and they
have. But they've also got to invest in quality, influence and impact.
They need to invest in journalism that makes a difference in people's
lives. That's a moral and leadership challenge - and a business
opportunity for whoever can meet it."