Market Statistics
The following statistical data was published by Christopher St. Aubin [link] and Jacob Lied [link] of the Pew Research Centre (2024):
| A large majority of U.S. adults (86%) say they at least sometimes get news from a smartphone, computer or tablet, including 57% who say they do so often. These figures are almost identical to the share who got news from digital devices in 2023.
Digital devices are by far the most common way Americans get news, although a majority (63%) get news from television at least sometimes. The portion of Americans who often get news from [television] has stayed fairly steady over the last few years, now standing at 33%.
Americans turn to radio and print publications for news far less frequently. In 2024, just 26% of U.S. adults say they often or sometimes get news in print, the lowest number our surveys have recorded.
When asked which of these platforms they prefer to get news on, 58% of Americans say they prefer a digital device, far higher than the share who prefer [television] (32%). Relatively few Americans prefer radio (6%) or print (4%).
There are several different pathways Americans use to get news on their digital devices. News websites or apps and search engines are the most common: About two-thirds of U.S. adults at least sometimes get news in each of these ways. A little more than half (54%) at least sometimes get news from social media, and 27% say the same about podcasts.
News websites or apps are also the most preferred source for news. About a quarter of U.S. adults (23%) say they prefer to get their news this way, compared with 18% who prefer social media, 12% who prefer search and 5% who prefer podcasts. The share of Americans who prefer social media has increased by 6 percentage points since 2023.
News consumption across platforms varies by age, gender, race, ethnicity, educational attainment and political leaning. For example, Americans ages 50 and older are more likely than younger adults to turn to television and print publications for news — and less likely to use digital sources like social media or podcasts. |
N.B. Radio refers to public air broadcast radio, not digital radio (e.g. podcasting). (2) Print refers to paper-print news (e.g. newspapers), not digital publications.
The Rise of Alternate Media
With excerpts from “A Comprehensive Guide to Alternative Media in Journalism and New Media,” Sarah Lee (2025) [link].
| The media landscape is undergoing a significant transformation. The rise of Alternative Media is challenging traditional journalism and new media, offering new opportunities for diverse voices and perspectives. In this article, we will explore the power of Alternative Media in shaping the future of journalism and new media, and provide insights on how to harness its potential.
Alternative Media refers to a type of media that operates outside the mainstream media landscape. It is characterized by its independence, diversity, and commitment to social justice. |
Lee proposes Alternate Media is defined by four principal measures: (a) independence from corporate and government interests; and (b) diversity of voices and perspectives; and (c) commitment to social justice and activism; and (d) use of innovative and experimental formats.
Alternative Media dates back to the 1960’s with the emergence of underground newspapers (paper, print) and radical media outlets. Since then, new technologies and formats have caused an evolution: independent publishing and zines (online magazines), community radio/pirate signal radio, online media and blogs (web logs), as well as social media and online activism (may reference hacktivism, e.g. Anonymous).
Lee contrasts Alternative Media and Traditional Media. Ownership: Alternative Media is independent, non-profit, or community-owned, whereas Traditional Media is corporate-owned and publicly traded. Content: Alternative Media is diverse, experimental, and activist, whereas Traditional Media is mainstream, commercial, and advertiser-driven. Audience: Alternative Media is niche, engaged, and participatory, whereas Traditional Media is mass, passive, and consumerist.
Lee asserts that Alternative Media plays a crucial role in journalism.
| Challenging Traditional Media Narratives
Alternative Media challenges the dominant narratives and perspectives presented by traditional media, offering alternative viewpoints and analysis. For example, during the 2011 Occupy Wall Street protests, Alternative Media outlets such as Democracy Now! and The Real News Network provided on-the-ground coverage and in-depth analysis, challenging the mainstream media’s portrayal of the events.
Providing a Platform for Diverse Voices and Perspectives
Alternative Media provides a platform for marginalized and underrepresented voices, amplifying their stories and perspectives. This is particularly important in the context of social justice movements, where Alternative Media has played a key role in mobilizing and organizing communities.
Investigative Journalism and In-Depth Reporting
Alternative Media outlets have a long history of investigative journalism and in-depth reporting, uncovering stories and issues that are often overlooked or ignored by traditional media. For example, the online investigative journalism outlet The Intercept has published numerous investigative reports on government surveillance, corporate malfeasance, and social justice issues. |
Lee further asserts that Alternative Media has had significant impact on new media, including:
| The Democratization of Media and the Blurring of Lines between Creators and Consumers
Alternative Media has democratized the media landscape, enabling anyone with an internet connection to create and distribute content. This has blurred the lines between creators and consumers, with many individuals now acting as both producers and consumers of media.
The Challenges and Opportunities Presented by Alternative Media in the Digital Age
The rise of Alternative Media in the digital age presents both challenges and opportunities. On the one hand, Alternative Media outlets face challenges such as: funding and sustainability, competition from mainstream media and online noise, and maintaining credibility and trust.
On the other hand, Alternative Media outlets also have opportunities to: reach new audiences and build new communities, experiment with new formats and technologies, and collaborate with other Alternative Media outlets and build networks. |
Lee concludes that Alternate Media has paved the way for social media influencers and content creators, who redefine the way we consume and interact with the media. According to a report by Influencer Marketing Hub, the influencer marketing industry is projected to reach $24.1 billion by 2025.
The rise of Alternate Media is transforming the media landscape, offering new opportunities for diverse voices and perspectives. Through an understanding of the power of Alternate Media and it role in shaping the future of journalism and new media, we can harness its potential to create a more just and equitable society.
Response to Market Shift
Signal High News Corporation has gone through three major shifts since its inception in August 2017. First, it relocated to the United States (2021) to report on domestic news, later (2024) expanding into international news from from the perspective of a U.S. news agency. Finally, in August 2025, in response to demand, it broadened its international coverage, focusing less on domestic news.
The sad reality is that we can’t be everywhere at once, although our scientists are working on that. We generate content from the places we invest resources — almost entirely proportionately. We continue to report on news that matters, using our deployed bureau approach. While our publications and channels remain the same, relatively speaking, we have incorporated foreign language services.
We approximate our coverage by country/region as follows: Canada (40%), the United Kingdom (17%), United States (15%), Australia/New Zealand (9%), Europe — Germany, Netherlands, Scandinavia, France, Italy, etc. (7%), Middle East (3%), Eastern Europe (3%), South Africa (3%), Other (3%).
We anticipate this to remain relatively constant throughout this business phase.
In order to achieve these objectives, we are onboarding journalists, organizing field teams, establishing bureaus and building our rapid response capability – all in pursuit of the truth. We are also forging relationships with affiliates, freelancers and newscasters around the world, and it is our goal to self-produce seventy percent (70%) of content by 2028, and ninety percent (90%) by 2032.
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