Digital News Sites Lead as Primary Source of News Among Long Island–Area Respondents, Local Survey Finds

KINGS PARK, NY – A new survey released by the Fair Media Council is offering a revealing look at how people – particularly in the Long Island and New York metropolitan region – are consuming news today. The findings point to a notable shift: more respondents now say they rely on digital news websites than any other source, including television, social media, or print.

According to the survey, 36% of respondents identified digital news sites as their primary source of news, placing it ahead of TV and streaming at 31%, social media at 19%, print at 12%, and radio or podcasts at just 2% .

While the sample size was limited, the geographic concentration – primarily Long Island and the broader New York metro area – gives the data particular relevance for regional audiences. For local readers, the results suggest that traditional assumptions about how people get their news may no longer hold true.

The rise of digital news sites as the leading source signals a broader behavioral change. Rather than relying on algorithm-driven feeds or passive consumption through television, audiences appear to be seeking out news directly from online publishers.

This shift may be closely tied to growing concerns about credibility and trust. The same survey found that accuracy is the most important factor for nearly 90% of respondents when choosing where to get their news, followed by fairness and accountability . Trust, the report suggests, is driven more by the quality of sources and transparency than by whether coverage aligns with personal beliefs.

In that context, digital news websites – where content is typically structured, sourced, and attributed – may offer a level of clarity and control that audiences feel is lacking on social platforms.

For Long Island, the findings arrive at a time when the regional media environment continues to evolve. Legacy outlets still play a major role, but digital-first platforms and independent online publishers have become increasingly prominent. The survey suggests that this evolution is not just supply-driven, but shaped by consumer demand for more direct, fact-based reporting.

At the same time, the report highlights a disconnect between expectations and perception. A majority of respondents believe both the news media and American democracy have weakened in recent years, and many express concerns about bias, opinion-driven coverage, and inaccuracies.

Despite criticism of the media, the survey reinforces that news remains highly valued. Nearly 70% of respondents say news is “very important” in their daily lives.

What audiences want, however, is clear: fact-based reporting, multiple perspectives, context, and less perceived agenda. Fairness ranked as the most important factor for consumers, with nearly 85% selecting it over speed, engagement, or alignment with personal views.

The Fair Media Council notes that the survey, conducted between late 2025 and early 2026, included 170 respondents and reflects directional patterns rather than a definitive national measurement.

Still, for Long Island readers and publishers alike, the findings offer a meaningful snapshot of changing habits – and a potential signal of where the media landscape is heading. As audiences increasingly prioritize credibility, structure, and direct access to information, digital news platforms may continue to strengthen their position at the center of how people stay informed.

Key Facts and Details

The Fair Media Council is a Long Island–based nonprofit that advocates for fairness, accuracy, and accountability in news media. The group conducts public opinion research and media literacy initiatives, with a strong focus on issues affecting Long Island and the broader New York metropolitan region.

To view the full survey results download the free report here.