Reasons for watching cable news U.S. by age 2022

According to the results of a survey held in the United States in February 2022, the leading reason for watching cable news was precisely to watch the news, with 65 percent of respondents citing news as a major reason for tuning in. However, 18 percent of respondents played cable news on their television in order to have some background noise, and the survey showed that younger generations in particular were the most likely to do this. Younger consumers were more inclined to tune in to cable news for entertainment or specific programs, whilst those aged 65 or above were the group most interested in specific personalities or news anchors.

Main reason for watching cable news among adults in the United States as of February 2022, by age group

Characteristic	18-34	35-44	45-64	65+	All adults
For news	53%	61%	68%	77%	65%
For entertainment	42%	44%	25%	19%	32%
For specific personalities/news anchors	30%	33%	29%	39%	32%
For specific programs	44%	50%	41%	48%	45%
As background noise	35%	21%	10%	5%	18%

Loading statistic...

Download

Source

Show detailed source information?

Already a member?

Source

Use Ask Statista Research Service

Release date

February 2022

More information

Region

United States

Survey time period

February 9 to 10, 2022

Number of respondents

1,196*

Age group

18 years and older

Method of interview

Online survey

Supplementary notes

*Total survey sample size was 1,196. Data here refers only to those who selected each reason as a 'major' reason for watching cable news.
Question: Would you say each of the following is a major reason for why you watch cable news?

Citation formats