Local TV, in particular, takes a hit when people start spending more time with online news.
That wasn't the case even four or five years ago. It's a wake-up call to traditional media sources to keep working at integrating online news into how they provide news generally.
Details of how to get a subscription drug benefit available to senior citizens was recently put online but only 27% of over-65's have net access, meaning people were lacking information about a key benefit,
The broadband difference is now permeating the news environment. High-powered Internet users are heavily into other media sources as well, but the pre-eminent place of online news suggests that it shapes their off-line information choices in an important way.
Thirty-four percent of people said the Internet played a crucial role, they got advice and support from other people. Thirty percent said they got information online to compare options.
The migration to broadband is happening more slowly for dial-up users in 2005 than 2002. With fewer new internet users coming online these days, the stock of potential broadband subscribers is not being replenished.
Internet use provides online Americans a path to resources, such as access to people who may have the right information to help deal with family health crises or find a new job. When you need help these days, you don't need a bugle to call the cavalry, you need a big buddy list.