Washington – The proliferation of mobile devices is changing
the way people receive their local news, according to a new survey by the Pew
Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project.
The organization said
that nearly half of all American adults now get at least some local news and
information on their cellphone or tablet computer, with weather updates (42%)
leading the way.
Apps for local news, however, are just beginning to take hold.
Only 13% of mobile device owners report having an app that helps them get local
information or news.
And while 36% of adults report paying for some form of
local news — primarily newspaper subscriptions — just 1% of adults utilize
paid apps for that purpose.
"Many news organizations are looking to mobile
platforms, in particular mobile apps, to provide new ways to generate
subscriber and advertising revenues in local markets," said Lee Rainie,
the director of Pew’s Internet & American Life Project.
"The survey
suggests there is a long way to go before that happens."
Related Links:
http://pewinternet.org/Reports/2011/Local-mobile-news.aspx
