Where Do Most Americans Get Their News? The Surprising Shift in Breaking News Habits

Scroll through any busy café, subway car, or even family living room and you’ll spot a pattern: most people now grab their phones for breaking news. The speed and convenience are hard to beat. Just a decade ago, turning on the TV or flipping open a newspaper was normal. Now, more Americans catch up through social media feeds, quick notifications from news apps, or short streaming clips than anything in print.

If you’re wondering where people actually get their news first, numbers from the Pew Research Center nail it down—about half of adults say their main source is online. Facebook and YouTube aren’t just for funny videos; millions use them as a news lifeline. Meanwhile, local TV and print struggle to keep up, especially with younger crowds who rarely touch a paper or watch the 6pm broadcast.

The upside? News is faster and feels more personal—short text updates mid-commute, live streams from witnesses near a major event, and group chats buzzing over what’s happening now. But here’s a heads-up: more sources don’t always mean more truth. We’ll get into practical tips for dodging misinformation, plus how American habits stand out compared to UK readers.

• The Old Guard: TV and Newspapers
• The Digital Takeover: Social Media and News Apps
• Younger vs Older Audiences: A Massive Divide
• Credibility and Trust Issues
• Comparing UK and US News Habits
• Tips for Finding Reliable Breaking News

The Old Guard: TV and Newspapers

For decades, Americans turned to TV and newspapers when they wanted the latest scoop. Ask anyone over 40 and they'll probably remember rushing to catch the evening news or picking up a Sunday paper full of sports scores, politics, and cartoons. These classic news sources dominated homes and conversations, especially before smartphones were a thing.

Here’s how it breaks down: According to Nielsen ratings, local TV news still pulls the top spot for adults 55 and older. ABC, CBS, and NBC evening newscasts rake in around 18 million viewers a night combined in 2024. But if you look at younger people, those numbers drop fast.

Printed newspapers—think USA Today, The New York Times, your city’s daily—were the backbone of daily information. Yet, the Pew Research Center says less than 10% of adults now read a physical newspaper each day. Print advertising revenue has dropped nearly 70% since 2005.

It’s not all doom and gloom for these traditional players. Big TV networks still break major political and international stories first, and print outlets have built respected brands online. The catch? Americans now expect instant breaking news—not the morning paper. That shift is why old-school platforms rush to post news online or push live updates to your phone.

If you like checking facts, these giants remain a go-to. Most TV networks and printed newspapers have teams that double-check sources before putting anything out, which helps in a world full of quick takes and viral rumors. So, if you really want to get the facts straight, don’t toss out that news channel—or forget the digital version of your favorite paper.

The Digital Takeover: Social Media and News Apps

So, where do Americans get their news today? It’s all about screens and swipes. Most folks, especially under 40, reach for their phones. Social media giants like Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram have actually become some of the biggest newsrooms, even if that wasn’t their original plan. In the latest Pew Research report from 2024, 53% of U.S. adults said they "often" or "sometimes" get their news from social media platforms. Facebook leads the pack, with YouTube close behind, followed by Instagram, TikTok, and X (the platform formerly known as Twitter).

It’s not just about catching up with friends or watching cat videos anymore—it’s breaking news, politics, sports, and local alerts all coming through those same feeds. Notifications from news apps like Apple News, Google News, and the apps from big outlets (CNN, NBC, Fox News) are also grabbing users fast with short headlines and updates. News breaks here before it hits TV or papers. Missed last night’s late game or a political shakeup? Chances are, you’ll hear about it first from a push notification or someone posting live videos—long before TV runs a segment.

Here’s a quick look at which platforms rule the scene:

Why does this matter? News moves faster, but more info isn’t always better. These platforms use algorithms to show you what you’re likely to click, meaning your news diet can easily become an echo chamber. If all your updates come from friends or pages you already agree with, that shapes how you see the world—and not always for the better.

If you want to use news apps or social media feeds smartly, try mixing sources. Don’t just stick to one app or one type of post. Here are a few fast tips:

• Follow official accounts for trusted news outlets, not just random pages or influencers.
• Check the timestamp. Old stories sometimes resurface and get treated like breaking news.
• Use app notification settings to filter out junk and stay on top of real breaking news.
• If something sounds wild, check if two or three other reputable sources are saying the same thing before you share or react.

Younger vs Older Audiences: A Massive Divide

There's a real split in Americans news sources depending on age. If you line up two people—say, your high school nephew and your retired neighbor—they’ll probably get breaking news in totally different ways. Pew data from last year makes this divide clear: about 60% of adults under 30 say they mostly get news online, especially from social media apps. Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and even TikTok are huge for younger folks. It’s not just for entertainment—real updates show up mixed with memes and friends' stories.

Older Americans, though, are still tuned in to TV and print, especially for breaking news. Over 70% of those aged 65 or older told Pew they stick to television for updates. For them, the six o’clock news or cable pundits feel more trustworthy, and there’s less jumping between dozens of sources. Newspapers are still hanging on with this group too, even if digital versions are more common now.

Check out these patterns:

This split shapes what news goes viral. If a story explodes on TikTok, a lot of older Americans might not hear about it for days—if at all. Meanwhile, something that grabs a prime spot on cable news may never trend on social feeds.

For families or workplaces, it's handy to remember: not everyone is seeing the same headlines or even the same topics. If you want to understand what’s driving conversations around you, it helps to check out more than one news source or chat with people outside your age group. That’s the easiest way to spot what’s being missed.

Credibility and Trust Issues

Here’s the kicker: just because breaking news pops up on your feed doesn’t mean it’s the real story. Trust in Americans news sources has actually hit some of the lowest points ever. Gallup’s poll in late 2024 found only 32% of Americans say they trust the mass media ‘a great deal’ or ‘a fair amount.’ That’s down from over 50% two decades ago.

Why the drop? Social media and digital platforms make it easy for anyone to share a story—true or not. Algorithms push viral stuff, not just verified news, so you get a flood of opinions and clickbait alongside legit updates. Even big names sometimes mess up in the rush to post first. The pressure to be fast can trump accuracy.

So how can you tell what’s trustworthy? It helps to:

• Check if the news comes from a well-known, credible outlet.
• Look for stories with clear sources or first-hand facts, not just opinions or anonymous tips.
• Notice if multiple reliable platforms report the same thing—one viral tweet doesn’t make news real.
• Be skeptical if headlines seem hyped up, grabby, or designed just to shock.

The bottom line? While breaking news gets to you faster than ever, making sure it’s true takes an extra step. It’s worth that second look—especially since so much is shared and clicked on without any real backup.

Comparing UK and US News Habits

When it comes to where people in the US and UK get their breaking news, there are a few interesting twists. One of the biggest gaps? Brits still lean on TV and radio more than Americans do. According to Ofcom, about 70% of UK adults said they watched TV bulletins for news in 2024, while in the US, fewer than half turn to TV as their main source. You’re more likely to see your American friends scroll through Facebook or Instagram for headlines—or pop open a news app—than catch a TV newscast.

Social media packs an even bigger punch stateside. Over half of young adults in the US say platforms like YouTube or TikTok are where they first hear about major events. In Britain, those numbers are rising but still lag behind. Here’s a quick look at the popularity of different sources in both countries in 2024:

One reason for the difference? UK broadcasters like the BBC and ITV are trusted household names, seen as less divided politically. In the US, people split between big networks or pick sides with cable opinion shows. Media expert Dr. Emily Groves said it well:

“British audiences expect impartial reporting, especially during breaking news. In the US, news is more like a sports league—everyone has their favorite team.”

There are even differences in how people fact-check. Brits still trust the evening news to stick to the facts. Americans are more likely to compare stories between different news sources or double-check with a quick Google search.

Both sides of the pond worry about fake news and clickbait, but Americans rely more on their own judgment and speed, while UK readers are more likely to stick with traditional outlets. Want to stay sharp? No matter where you live, check the source—and don’t be afraid to look at both a US and UK headline to get the full story.

Tips for Finding Reliable Breaking News

With so much information flying around on Americans news sources, it can get tricky separating facts from noise. One wrong click, and you could be reading something completely made up. But there are clear steps you can take to make sure you're getting your breaking news from solid sources.

• Check the Source First: Stick with outlets known for accuracy, like AP, Reuters, or BBC. If you’re reading something from a name you don’t recognize, hit pause and search for a track record. If it is a major story, other big sites should have it too.
• Look for Multiple Reports: If the news matters, you’ll see it on more than just one website. Before sharing, check at least two trusted platforms to see if they match.
• Scan the Date and Time: Sometimes old stories or updates get recycled and passed around as if they’re new. Make sure you’re seeing the latest before reacting or spreading the info.
• Check the Author or Reporter: Real news will usually have a real person’s name, job title, and contact info. Anonymous stories are usually a bad sign.
• Watch for Sensational Headlines: If the headline tries to make you angry or scared, that’s a red flag. Reliable sources give facts, not drama.
• Use Fact-Checking Tools: Sites like Snopes.com and FactCheck.org are great for confirming rumors. If something seems wild or just too shocking, run it through a fact-checker before you believe it.

Still unsure about a story you’ve seen online? Here’s a quick look at where Americans said they trust media habits for breaking news updates most, according to Pew Research Center’s latest data:

If you want the quickest and safest bet for breaking news, hit up top news websites or major TV networks. Social media spreads info fast, but the facts might not always keep pace. If something sounds off, double-check before you share.