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TV News Still Reigns Supreme for Most Americans in 2025

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, November 25th 2025 at 5:53 GMT by fingerlakes1

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Most Americans Still Get TV News the Traditional Way – A Deep Dive into 2025 Trends

When most people think of “news” in the United States, the first thing that comes to mind is a late‑night news program on cable, a morning briefing on a broadcast station, or a mid‑day bulletin on a local channel. That perception is still accurate in 2025. A recent article on Finger Lakes 1 titled “Most Americans Still Get TV News the Traditional Way” highlights that the bulk of Americans continue to rely on television for their most up‑to‑date information – even as streaming, podcasts, and social media grow in popularity.

Key Findings

The article draws heavily on a Gallup poll conducted in September 2024, published in the New York Times (link provided in the article). According to that poll:

• 68 % of U.S. adults reported watching or listening to news on television in the past 12 months.
• Of those, 53 % consume news on broadcast television (e.g., ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX), while 42 % rely on cable news channels (CNN, MSNBC, Fox News).
• Only 12 % get their news primarily through streaming services, such as Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV.

The article underscores that the numbers are not only statistically significant but also historically notable: this is the highest TV‑news share recorded since the 1990s. The data are complemented by a Pew Research Center report from early 2024 that indicates a gradual decline in overall TV‑watching habits, yet a persistent reliance on it for political and national news.

Demographic Breakdown

The piece pays particular attention to how news‑consumption varies across age, race, and political affiliation:

The article cites a New York Times graphic (link in the original post) that visually maps these disparities. Older adults and conservatives remain especially tethered to TV news, whereas younger, more progressive viewers are quicker to adopt podcasts and news apps.

Why TV Still Rules

The article discusses a few reasons why television remains the backbone of news consumption:

1. Credibility Perception – Many respondents cited TV news as “most trustworthy.” A 2024 Gallup study revealed that 61 % of U.S. adults believe that broadcast news is “more reliable” than digital platforms.

2. Accessibility – For households without high‑speed internet, cable and broadcast TV remain the easiest way to stay informed.

3. Habitual Behavior – The “prime‑time news” ritual is ingrained: people watch the evening news before dinner or while driving. This routine has been reinforced for decades.

4. Live Coverage Advantage – While streaming services now offer live streams, the immediacy and visual quality of traditional TV news—especially during breaking events—still attract viewers.

The Digital Counterweight

The article doesn’t dismiss the digital shift entirely. It references a Nielsen report that shows streaming platforms are up 15 % year‑over‑year in adult households. Yet, the share of viewers who get all their news from streaming is still under 10 %. Instead, many Americans use digital channels as supplements: scrolling through social media for quick updates, listening to news podcasts on the commute, or reading articles on smartphones.

One link in the article leads to a Pew blog post that breaks down “how Americans get their news” by platform, highlighting that only 18 % of adults use “news apps exclusively” (as opposed to a mix of sources). It also notes that people who rely on “only digital” sources are more likely to be younger, college‑educated, and living in metropolitan areas.

Implications for Media Companies

The piece warns that the traditional TV model is still viable, but the competitive landscape is evolving:

• Cable providers are investing in digital‑first news services, offering on‑demand clips and a “news hub” app that integrates social media.
• Broadcast stations are experimenting with hybrid models—streaming their live feeds while retaining the classic studio presentation.
• Advertisers continue to see value in TV spots for breaking news and political coverage, yet are also allocating more budget to “digital video ads” that reach audiences during non‑prime‑time hours.

The article quotes a spokesperson from CNN who said, “While we’re seeing growth in our digital streaming arm, the core of our audience remains in the living room, and that’s where we’ll keep investing.” A similar sentiment is echoed by a Fox News executive who emphasized the importance of “trusted, timely reporting” that only live TV can deliver.

A Cautionary Note for the Future

While the numbers are currently favorable for TV news, the article reminds readers that trends can shift quickly. A brief section cites a Center for Media and Public Policy study that warns of a potential “digital‑first generation” that may become the dominant news consumers by 2030. It suggests that to stay relevant, media outlets must balance the deep trust and immediacy of television with the interactivity and personalization that digital platforms offer.

Bottom Line

The Finger Lakes 1 article paints a nuanced picture: television remains the primary news source for most Americans, especially older adults and those who value perceived credibility and convenience. Yet, digital avenues are rapidly growing as complementary or even primary options for younger viewers and urban dwellers. For media companies, the challenge is clear: harness the strengths of traditional TV while innovating to meet a new generation’s preferences for on‑demand, multimedia news experiences.

In an age where misinformation can spread overnight, the enduring trust in TV news signals a continuing need for professional journalism. However, the article concludes that the only certainty in media consumption is change—both in the way people watch and the platforms they use. The real question is not whether TV will survive, but how it will adapt to coexist with, rather than compete against, the digital ecosystem that defines 2025 and beyond.