Horowitz Research's "State of Viewing & Streaming 2020" study indicates that viewers between the ages of 18-34 years of age get 53% of their news consumption from the internet, compared to 21% for traditional television. "Just like social media has provided new ways of exposing discrimination and misconduct, so too has it given young people a new way to view and understand the world around them, providing validation of what is really happening and holding major news outlets more accountable,” said Howard Horowitz, President of Horowitz Research.
The report findings correlate with the media’s attempt to perpetuate stereotypes, leading to a growing disconnect between young viewers and the traditional news media.
The research firm reported that 58% of TV content viewers believe that the media plays a very big role in reinforcing stereotypes, and 68% say that they feel it is important that the media represent diverse people and communities in the U.S. in ways that challenge and break stereotypes. “Can the major broadcast and cable outlets rise to the challenge of providing truth and perspective and less sensationalism?”
Horowitz senior VP of insights and strategy Adriana Waterston affirms that she has heard testimonies from young staff, family members, and social media who believe their parents and older family members, who rely heavily on TV news, are not getting a well-rounded picture of the George Floyd protests occurring across the U.S. and why the reasoning behind them. “Showing looting and sensationalizing violence creates more fear and obscures the issues of police brutality and persistent systemic racism that these young people are seeing, experiencing, and feeling," Horowitz said.
Just like social media has provided new ways of exposing discrimination and misconduct, so too has it given young people a new way to view and understand the world around them, providing validation of what is really happening and holding major news outlets more accountable.” Howard Horowitz President of Horowitz Research.
