Free Press Poll: Americans Want More Local News

According to a recent survey conducted for the advocacy group Free Press, broadcast media remains a significant source of information for the American public.

Free Press recently conducted the comprehensive public-opinion poll to understand people’s beliefs about media, technology, and democracy during this election year. 

Here are some key takeaways from the 2024 Poll: Americans’ Views on Media, Technology & Democracy:

AAPI=Asian-American/Pacific-Islander

• Americans want more local news. 
• A majority use social media to access news.
• 3 in 4 Americans access news on radio and television on a weekly basis, while over 50% use Facebook and YouTube to access news on a weekly basis.
• Black and Latino people are more likely to access news on Facebook and YouTube and more likely to share and engage with social-media content than white and AAPI people.
• 69% of Black respondents and 62% of Latino respondents say they frequently access information focused on the Black or Latino experience when they search for news

Media Preferences: Broadcast news (radio and television) is ahead of other media channels in terms of usage frequency. It surpasses platforms like Facebook (used by 59% a few times a week) and news apps (used by 55% of those surveyed). This preference for broadcast media suggests that people still rely on traditional channels for news updates.

Major Concerns:

• A vast majority of Americans are concerned about online disinformation. Only 1 in 4 feel “very informed” about local elections. Black adults are more likely to report seeing false information online.
• 79% of Americans are concerned that the information they see online is fake, false or a deliberate attempt to confuse people. 76% are concerned about 2024 presidential election misinformation.
• Only 28% feel “very informed” about local elections. 44% feel “somewhat informed.”
• The more local the election, the fewer people believe they have enough information to make informed decisions. AAPI people and Latinos are less likely to report feeling informed about local elections.
• 47% of Americans say they often or sometimes encounter news stories they believe contain false information.
• 35% of Americans have experienced online bullying or harassment. 32% of Black people report that this happens often or sometimes (compared to 22% of Latinos, 18% of white people and 17% of AAPI people).

Importance of Independent News Outlets: A majority (51%) of respondents believe that having more independent news outlets is crucial for combating disinformation and maintaining a healthy democracy.
Similarly, 52% agree that increasing public funding to create and expand local and independent news is essential. Only 32% feel that there are currently enough choices in news outlets.

How To Improve Local News:

• A majority believe in increased public funding for local news, particularly to support more diversity in sources.
• 52% of Americans support increased public funding to expand local and independent news. Black people (62%) are more likely to support public funding than white people (50%).
• 60% believe that we should “increase funding opportunities so that there is more diversity in who owns and operates independent news and information sources.”
• 55% believe that media institutions should acknowledge the racial bias in the history of their news coverage. Black (64%), Latino (62%), and AAPI people (61%) are more likely than white people (50%) to support this kind of acknowledgment. Liberals (70%) are more likely than conservatives (49%) and moderates (56%) to support acknowledging racial bias.

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