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Monday, September 26, 2011

Americans Fail To Appreciate Local Papers

NEW YORK (AP) - A majority of Americans don't seem to recognize the value of their local newspaper.

According to a survey from the Pew Research Center, most people say they wouldn't miss local news if their newspaper no longer existed. But at the same time, they say they rely on their newspaper for a broad range of local information.

Sixty-nine percent of those surveyed said their local newspaper's absence wouldn't have a major effect on their ability to keep up with information about their community. But print and online versions of newspapers ranked first or tied for first on 11 of 16 local news topics the survey asked about. People said they turn to newspapers first for everything from community and crime news to arts and culture, social services, zoning and development. Newspapers tied with the Internet for news on housing, schools and jobs, and with TV for local political news.

"People may assume that because they go to the newspaper now for that information, it is available somewhere else," said Tom Rosenstiel, co-author of a report on the survey and director of Pew's Project for Excellence in Journalism. "I'm not sure if that is correct."

Overall, Americans turn to a broad range of online and offline sources when it comes to getting local news and information.

TV is still the most popular source of news for most people, according to the survey. Nearly three-quarters said they watch local newscasts or look at local TV websites at least once a week.

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2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think the local newspaper is very valuable. It is usually chocked full of coupons. It make great kindling for starting the grill or fireplace. It can be used to line a item you're going to ship somewhere. I use it to cover the bottom of the bird cage.
It has hundreds of uses.

Anonymous said...

They are all liberal and Nobody wants to read that crap.