Newspaper Readership Across Age Groups
Newspapers remain an indispensable source of news and information for many people, despite the growing popularity of digital media. However, as the age demographics of newspaper readers are shifting, it’s essential to understand who these readers are and how they consume the news. Here’s a breakdown of the readership of newspapers in different age groups.
Millennials
Millennials, defined as those born between the early 1980s and mid-1990s, are the largest age group in the US workforce. However, they’re less likely to read newspapers than older generations. According to the Pew Research Center, only 13% of adults aged 18-29 say they read a newspaper in print on a typical weekday, with another 5% reading the newspaper online. This suggests that newspapers need to find innovative ways to target this age group.
Generation X
Generation X, born between the mid-1960s and early 1980s, is more likely to read newspapers than millennials. According to Nielsen Scarborough, 64% of adults aged 35-49 read newspapers, with 42% doing so in print and another 22% doing so online. This group is also more likely to read the local news in print, with 54% saying they read a local newspaper in print.
Baby Boomers
Baby Boomers, born between the mid-1940s and mid-1960s, have the highest newspaper readership of any age group. According to Pew Research Center, 33% of adults aged 50-64 and 41% of adults aged 65 or older say they read a newspaper in print on a typical weekday, with an additional 4-5% reading online. This group is also more likely to read national newspapers like The New York Times and USA Today.
Implications for Newspaper Publishers
Understanding the age demographics of newspaper readers is important for publishers looking to grow their audience and revenue. While younger generations are less likely to read newspapers than older generations, there are still opportunities to engage them through digital channels and innovative content strategies. Meanwhile, publishers can continue to rely on the loyalty of older readers, who remain committed to print and provide a steady stream of revenue.
