2002-06-08-皮尤-Public_s_News_Habits_Little_Changed_by_September_11_87页_674kb

Summary

The Pew Research Center's Biennial News Consumption Survey held in spring-summer 2002 indicated notable shifts in how Americans engage with international news following the September 11 attacks, but overall news habits remained largely stable compared to pre-9/11 and earlier polling. The survey revealed a modest increase in public interest in terrorism-related news, primarily in the Middle East, with increased tracking of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, most Americans maintained low engagement with international news unless affected directly, reflecting a tendency among many to follow news only during major events.

A clear digital divide emerged, with younger audiences (under 30) less inclined to consume regular news through traditional media, though they showed comparable interest in online and entertainment news. Education and age were significant predictors of engagement; older, college-educated Americans demonstrated a higher appetite for international and traditional news, while younger or less educated populations, especially Gen X, showed diminished commitment.

Surveys found limited impact of fragmentation in news sources, sustaining audience for varied media outlets. While online news use slightly increased among daily users, the core audience for cable and traditional news outlets remained robust, though network evening news viewership saw steady decline. Despite increases in online availability and use, overall reliance on new media did not diminish traditional metrics.

Coverage of international events saw moderate but low engagement, often inhibited by lack of background information, though core groups were uniquely committed. The study underscored generational gaps in news consumption, fixed despite technological integration. Public trust in media increased for terrorism and Middle East coverage, yet skeptical responses remained steady.

In essence, 9/11 introduced modest shifts targeting terrorism but failed to transform general media habits. A core international audience emerged, coupled with a digital divide deepening access disparities; however, traditional media such as newspapers and evening broadcasts continue to maintain usage after a five-year decline stabilized.