Internet overtakes papers as source of national and international news; more local focus likely

The Internet is now Americans' No. 2 source for national and international news, surpassing newspapers and second only to television, according to a recent survey by the Pew Center for the People and the Press. The figures suggest that major newspapers are likely to continue their increasing focus on local news, closing Washington and state-capital bureaus and cutting out rural circulation and coverage.

Asked their main source of national and international news, with multiple answers allowed, 70 percent of adults named TV, 40 percent named the Internet and 34 percent said newspapers. Last year, the figures were TV 74, newspapers 34 and Internet 24. (Pew chart) Among those 18 to 29, the Internet now equals TV as main source of such news. (Read more)