Survey Released on Where Montanans Go For News [YouTube]
A survey commissioned by the Greater Montana Foundation shows that Montanans still depend heavily on television and radio for their news, but that the internet is fast becoming a source for information as well.
Director of the Bureau of Business and Economic Research at the University of Montana, Patrick Barkey, shared the survey results with a gathering of media executives in Helena on Thursday.
"Those surveyed said television was still their primary source of local news," Barkey said. "But, radio has incredible penetration with over 60 percent of Montanans listening to radio with quite a large number listening to radio more than one hour per day. People are hungry for local news and information and the survey said Montanans want information close to home."
The internet has made great strides in Montana, with over 80 percent of Montanans having internet access at home. In addition, television, radio and newspaper reporters are increasingly using the internet on their own business websites.
The survey of 526 adults in Montana was conducted in April and May of 2015.