Viewers Still Tuning In To TV News

Results released this week by the Pew Internet Project, the Pew Research Center’s Project for Excellence in Journalism, and the Knight Foundation show that many people still rely on their local news broadcast for information.

Local TV was named the “outlet of choice” for 55 percent of respondents while only 16 percent of respondents said it was the Internet. Breaking news and weather were the most popular topics cited. And African-Americans and Hispanics were most reliant on local broadcast news.

The study was called “How people learn about their local community,” so it would make sense that many would turn to local newscasts as Web and other outlets tend to take a broader view. (Local newspapers also had a strong showing in the survey’s results when talking about topics including crime.)

But it’s not just local broadcast news that’s showing positive signs.

The three evening newscasts are also on the upswing, with ABC, NBC, and CBS all reporting year-over-year increases in viewership. (Cable network ratings are a different story.)

Earlier this summer, we offered tips for more effective local pitching, which you can read (again) here. Are there any others you would add to the list? The comments section is open.

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