A new Pew study shows that the Internet has surpassed newspapers, as Americans' main source for national and international news. 40 percent of those who participated at the survey by Pew Research for the People & the Press have said that they get most of their national and international news from the Internet, up from 24 percent in September 2007.

 

It could be said that the internet coverage of the presidential campaign was likely the reason for that recent growth. However, TV continues to be cited most frequently as a main source for international and national news. The survey also found that 59 percent of people younger than 30 years old prefer television, down from 68 percent in the September 2007 survey.

 

As for the TV channel selection, the study finds that there has been little change in the individual TV news outlets that people rely on for national and international news. 23 percent of the public said it gets most of its news from CNN, while 17 percent cite Fox News. Smaller shares mention other cable and broadcast outlets.

 

Other findings from Pew's survey refer to the top news stories of 2008. Of course, the downfall economy took the top spot, followed by rising gas prices and the debate over the Wall Street bailout. The economic crisis was followed by 70% of the surveyed people. The congressional debate over

legislation to stabilize financial markets also drew extensive interest, as 62% followed this story very closely.

 

This survey was conducted December 3-7 among 1,489 adults. The research by Pew monitors the news reported by major newspapers, TVs, radio and online news outlets on an ongoing basis.