Good news for UtahPolicy and other Internet news sites, bad news for newspapers.
A new UtahPolicy poll shows that 39 percent of all Utahns get their political news from Internet news sites – like UtahPolicy.
But only 11 percent of Utahns get their political news from newspapers – another sign that the old is giving way to the new.
Of course, it could be that newspaper readers are not picking up the paper anymore, but are reading their newspapers online.
But that is still bad news for newspapers, since most local newspapers are still giving away their internet content for free – so are not making much money on their web product (they do sell ads online).
Pollster Dan Jones & Associates asked: “How do you typically get your political news?”
Results:
- 39 percent get political news from Internet news sites.
- 31 percent get it from TV (which could include programs like Bill Maher and John Stewart (goodbye old friend)).
- 13 percent mentioned some “other” source, which could include news radio and talk radio.
- 11 percent said newspapers.
- 5 percent said Facebook.
- 1 percent said Twitter.
- And 1 percent didn’t know.
Of course Americans are more clued into local, national and international events today than ever before – if they bother to get clued in.
Smartphones allow us to get email updates and story links several times a day from major news sources, like the New York Times.
Local news reporters use Twitter to send out alerts and comments, as well.
But various surveys show that most Utahns and Americans use social media for just that – staying social with friends, families and work colleagues.
The young, of course, are more mobile than ever.
Jones finds that only 3 percent of Utahns ages 18-24 say they get their political news from newspapers.
Nearly half – 48 percent – get their news from Internet news sites.
Those 55-64: 12 percent from newspapers, 35 percent from TV and 34 percent from Internet sites.
Some interesting numbers based on political party, as well.
Republicans: 12 percent newspapers, 32 percent TV, 37 percent Internet.
Democrats: 16 percent newspapers, 29 percent TV, 29 percent Internet.
Political independents: 10 percent newspapers, 32 percent TV, and 42 percent Internet.
