New data from Pew Research shows just how wide the divide is between those over the age of 50 and those under the age when it comes to cable news and other news television viewership.
TV has been an important way for Americans to consume news for decades. And that hasn’t changed in spite of distribution changes, with 64% saying they get news from television at least sometimes, with 32% saying they do so often.
Of those surveyed, 57% say they get their television from cable, satellite, or broadcast television. 34% said they utilize streaming services. Those who “prefer” to get their news from television say cable news — like Fox News, MS NOW, CNN, Newsmax, and NewsNation, satellite, or broadcast consumption reaches 70%, while only 21% say they use streaming services.
However, when broken down by age demographics, the numbers highlight a change in consumption.
75% of those aged 65 and up utilize cable, satellite, or broadcast TV. That number dwindles to 63% in the 50-64 age range, to 46% between ages 30-49, and down to 42% in the 18-29 sector.
Conversely, the figures rise when it comes to streaming services. Only 16% of the oldest demographic surveyed utilize streaming news television options. It rises to 29% for the 50-64 demo, and is at 46% for both the 30-49 and 18-29 demographics.
The age demographics are the only situations where there are large disparities, Pew Research notes.
“There are no big differences across party affiliation or gender on this question,” it said of its findings. “However, there are some differences based on education level. For example, those with a college or graduate degree (39%) are slightly more likely than those with a high school diploma or less education (30%) to say their TV news mostly comes from streaming.”
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