The Fall 2026 #FutureOfTV.Live report, based on a survey of 1,376 U.S. adults, highlights that the issue extends beyond the decline of pay-TV subscriptions. Younger demographics are forging an entirely different relationship with media, prioritizing mobile-first and vertical video formats over traditional broadcast schedules. Daily television viewing habits reflect this disconnect, with only 31% of the youngest cohort watching daily, compared to 81% of older adults.
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The 54-Point Gap: Local News Loses the Next Generation
A mere 10% of young adults aged 18 to 24 tuned into local television news last week, a figure that stands in stark contrast to the 64% participation rate among viewers 65 and older. This 54-point divide underscores a fundamental shift in how the next generation consumes information.
Brian Ring, founder of Ring Digital, notes that the primary hurdle for broadcasters is capturing attention within these emerging viewing behaviors. While mobile news consumption is booming—with an estimated 108 million U.S. adults watching news on their phones daily—local stations are struggling to compete. Among those who do watch local news, only 7% utilize a station’s proprietary app, while platforms like Facebook, YouTube Shorts, and TikTok dominate the mobile landscape. To bridge this gap, researchers are testing strategies like "TikTok meets TV Guide" concepts, aiming to leverage short-form discovery to drive audiences back to live, linear programming.
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