Americans Increasingly Turn to Digital Devices and Influencers for News
Americans are continuing to shift away from traditional news sources, increasingly relying on digital devices – smartphones, computers, and tablets – to consume news, according to a new fact sheet released by the Pew Research Center on September 25, 2025. The report details evolving news habits in a fragmented media landscape.
Currently, 86% of U.S. Adults say they get news at least sometimes from a digital device, with 56% doing so often. This figure remains consistent with 2024 data, indicating a sustained trend. While digital platforms dominate, television remains a significant source of news for a majority of Americans, with 64% getting news from TV at least sometimes, including 32% who do so often. Radio and print publications are utilized less frequently, with only 11% of adults often getting news from radio and 7% from print newspapers or magazines.
The shift in news consumption isn’t limited to *where* people get their news, but also *from whom*. A growing number of younger adults are turning to influencers for news rather than established media outlets. According to Pew Research Center data, 39% of adults under 30 regularly get their news from influencers.
This trend is blurring the lines between entertainment, opinion, and information, raising questions about trust in journalism and the role of social media in shaping public opinion. The Pew-Knight Initiative is examining these changes, and researchers are exploring how news organizations are adapting to this evolving landscape.
Despite the rise of digital and influencer-driven news, television continues to be the preferred platform for those who *prefer* to watch the news, with 62% opting for TV over other options, according to a November 4, 2025, fact sheet.
The Pew Research Center report highlights the ongoing investigation into the state of news, information, and journalism in the digital age. The research program is funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts and represents a collaborative effort from the Center’s news and information, politics, methods, communications, design, digital, and editorial teams.
The research team behind the report includes Katerina Eva Matsa, Director of News and Information Research; Michael Lipka, Associate Director, News and Information Research; Emily Tomasik, Research Analyst; Joanne Haner, Research Assistant; Naomi Forman-Katz, Research Analyst; Sawyer Reed, Research Assistant; Luxuan Wang, Research Associate; and Elisa Shearer, Senior Researcher.
Editorial and graphic design were overseen by Mia Hennen, Editorial Assistant; David Kent, Senior Editorial Specialist; Peter Bell, Associate Director, Design and Production; and Andrea Caumont, Associate Director, Digital Outreach.
Communications and web publishing were handled by Sogand Afkari, Communications Manager; Talia Price, Communications Associate; Janakee Chavda, Associate Digital Producer; and Justine Coleman, Associate Digital Producer.
