Coronavirus: impact on media consumption in the U.S.

CORONAVIRUS: IMPACT ON MEDIA CONSUMPTION IN THE

U.S.

Table of Contents
 Table of Contents

01 Views on media response

Coronavirus and the media: support for restricting events U.S. 2020 02
Coronavirus and the media: opposition for restricting events U.S. 2020 03
Media responsibility and coronavirus containment U.S. 2020 04
Media responsibility and coronavirus containment U.S. 2020, by generation 05
Media attention and the coronavirus U.S. 2020, by politics 06
Opinion on the media exaggerating coronavirus news U.S. 2020, by politics 07
Media accuracy and the coronavirus U.S. 2020, by politics 08

02 News consumption
U.S. local newscasts: coronavirus viewership impact 2020 10
Consumers keeping updated with the coronavirus U.S. 2020, by age group 11
Most used sources of coronavirus news U.S. 2020, by age group 12
Most trusted sources of coronavirus news U.S. 2020 13
Least trusted sources of coronavirus news U.S. 2020 14
 Table of Contents

Fake news exposure and the coronavirus U.S. 2020, by politics 15

03 TV and SVoD consumption

U.S. cable news networks: coronavirus viewership impact 2019-2020 17
Coronavirus TV viewing: popular programs U.S. 2020 18
Coronavirus: SVoD audience change U.S. 2020, by service 19
Coronavirus: SVoD audience distribution during business hours U.S. 2020, by daypart 20
Coronavirus: SVoD audience change U.S. 2020, by genre 21
Watching online TV and movies more due to the coronavirus U.S. 2020, by generation 22
Subscribing to SVoD services due to the coronavirus U.S. 2020, by generation 23
Netflix subscriber growth forecasts: coronavirus impact 2020 24

04 Media spending
COVID-19: video game spending change as of April 2020 26
Music streaming spending increase due to the coronavirus U.S. 2020, by generation 27
Table of Contents

SVoD spending increase due to the coronavirus U.S. 2020, by generation 28

Renting movies to watch at home due to the coronavirus U.S. 2020, by generation 29
CORONAVIRUS: IMPACT ON MEDIA CONSUMPTION IN THE
U.S.

Views on media response

Share of adults who support media events being postponed or canceled due to the coronavirus
outbreak in the United States as of March 2020
Coronavirus and the media: support for restricting events U.S. 2020

60.0%

51%
50.0% 48%
46% 46%

40.0% 38%
Share of respondents

30.0%

20.0%

10.0%

0.0%
Concert venues postponing all The U.S. government restricting Movie studios postponing all All entertainment venues canceling The U.S. government shutting
upcoming music concerts public events such as concerts and upcoming movie premieres upcoming events down movie theaters
plays at entertainment venues

Note: United States; March 5 to 7, 2020; 18 years and older; 2,200; among those who strongly or somewhat support the decision
Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 31.
2 Source(s): Morning Consult; The Hollywood Reporter; ID 1104135 Views on media response
Share of adults who oppose media events being postponed or canceled due to the coronavirus
outbreak in the United States as of March 2020
Coronavirus and the media: opposition for restricting events U.S. 2020

50.0%

44%
45.0%

40.0%
35% 35%
35.0% 32%
31%
Share of respondents

30.0%

25.0%

20.0%

15.0%

10.0%

5.0%

0.0%
The U.S. government shutting The U.S. government restricting All entertainment venues canceling Movie studios postponing all Concert venues postponing all
down movie theaters public events such as concerts and upcoming events upcoming movie premieres upcoming music concerts
plays at entertainment venues

Note: United States; March 5 to 7, 2020; 18 years and older; 2,200; among those who strongly or somewhat oppose the decision
Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 32.
3 Source(s): Morning Consult; The Hollywood Reporter; ID 1105524 Views on media response
Share of adults who believe that selected members of the media industry are responsible for
restricting the spread of the coronavirus outbreak in the United States as of March 2020
Media responsibility and coronavirus containment U.S. 2020

45.0%
40%
39%
40.0%

34%
35.0%
31%
30.0%
Share of respondents

27%

25.0% 23%

20.0%

15.0%

10.0%

5.0%

0.0%
Movie theater chains, such Concert venue operators Entertainment industry Music industry executives Musicians Actors
as AMC Theaters and Regal executives
Cinemas

Note: United States; March 5 to 7, 2020; 18 years and older; 2,200; among those who think each is very or somewhat responsible
Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 33.
4 Source(s): Morning Consult; The Hollywood Reporter; ID 1104176 Views on media response
Share of adults who believe that selected members of the media industry are responsible for restricting
the spread of the coronavirus outbreak in the United States as of March 2020, by generation
Media responsibility and coronavirus containment U.S. 2020, by generation

Gen Z Millennials Gen X Boomers

50.0%

43% 44%
45.0%
40%
40.0% 37% 37% 37% 37%
35% 36%
35.0% 32% 33% 32% 33%
Share of respondents

31% 30%
29% 28%
30.0% 27% 26%
26%
25.0% 23% 23%
20% 21%
20.0%

15.0%

10.0%

5.0%

0.0%
Movie theater chains, such Concert venue operators Entertainment industry Music industry executives Musicians Actors
as AMC Theaters and Regal executives
Cinemas

Note: United States; March 5 to 7, 2020; 18 years and older; 2,200; among those who think each is very or somewhat responsible
Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 34.
5 Source(s): Morning Consult; The Hollywood Reporter; ID 1105543 Views on media response
Public opinion on the amount of attention paid to the coronavirus by the news media in the United
States as of March 2020, by political affiliation
Media attention and the coronavirus U.S. 2020, by politics

Total Democrats Independents Republicans

Too much 41% 24% 44% 57%
About right 42% 58% 35% 32%
Too little 7% 9% 6% 4%
Not sure 11% 9% 15% 7%

Note: United States; March 10 to 11, 2020; 18 years and older; 1.635
Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 35.
6 Source(s): YouGov; ID 1104721 Views on media response
Share of adults who think the media has exaggerated news about the coronavirus outbreak in the
United States as of March 2020, by political affiliation
Opinion on the media exaggerating coronavirus news U.S. 2020, by politics

90.0%

80.0% 77%

70.0%
62%
60.0%
Share of respondents

49%
50.0%

40.0%

30.0%

20.0%

10.0%

0.0%
Total Republicans/leaning Republicans Democrats/leaning Democrats

Note: United States; March 10 to 16, 2020; 18 years and older; 8,914; among those who felt the media had greatly or slightly exaggerated news about the coronavirus outbreak
Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 36.
7 Source(s): Pew Research Center; ID 1105093 Views on media response
Public opinion on the accuracy of news about the coronavirus in the United States as of March
2020, by political affiliation
Media accuracy and the coronavirus U.S. 2020, by politics

Total Democrats Independents Republicans

Mostly accurate 41% 56% 34% 34%
Mostly inaccurate 24% 13% 28% 31%
Not sure 35% 31% 39% 35%

Note: United States; March 10 to 11, 2020; 18 years and older; 1.635
Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 37.
8 Source(s): YouGov; ID 1104740 Views on media response
CORONAVIRUS: IMPACT ON MEDIA CONSUMPTION IN THE
U.S.

News consumption
Coronavirus impact: increase in average household viewership of local newscasts in the United
States between February 10 and March 9, 2020
U.S. local newscasts: coronavirus viewership impact 2020

30.0% 28%

25.0%
Percentage change

19%
20.0% 18%
17%
15% 15%
14%
15.0% 13% 13% 13%
12%
11% 11%
10%
9%
10.0% 8%
7% 7%
5% 5% 5%
4% 4%
5.0% 3%
2% 2%

0.0%

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Note: United States; February 10 to March 9, 2020

Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 38.
10 Source(s): comScore; Offremedia; ID 1105701 News consumption
Share of adults who are closely following news about the coronavirus in the United States as of
March 2020, by age group
Consumers keeping updated with the coronavirus U.S. 2020, by age group

Total 18-29 30-44 45-64 65+

Very closely 37% 31% 35% 37% 46%
Somewhat closely 47% 48% 45% 49% 42%
Not very closely 13% 16% 16% 11% 12%
Not following at all 3% 5% 4% 2% 0%

Note: United States; March 10 to 11, 2020; 18 years and older; 1.635
Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 39.
11 Source(s): YouGov; ID 1105443 News consumption
Most used sources of news for information about the coronavirus in the United States as of March
2020, by age group
Most used sources of coronavirus news U.S. 2020, by age group

Total 18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55+

News media (TV, radio, newspapers, online media) 58% 37% 47% 54% 57% 70%
Websites/posts from government/health agencies 20% 26% 21% 19% 22% 17%
(CDC, WHO, etc)
Posts from friends and family on social media 7% 14% 14% 9% 4% 2%
Websites/posts from other organizations 6% 4% 7% 5% 7% 6%
Other 3% 4% 3% 4% 3% 3%
Don't know 3% 8% 4% 4% 3% 1%
N/A - I haven't been getting any information about 3% 7% 4% 5% 4% 1%
COVID-19

Note: United States; March 13, 2020; 18 years and older; 5,747
Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 40.
12 Source(s): YouGov; ID 1104391 News consumption
Most trusted sources of news for information about the coronavirus in the United States as of
March 2020
Most trusted sources of coronavirus news U.S. 2020

90.0% 85%

80.0% 77%

70%
70.0% 67%

60.0%
Share of respondents

53%
51% 50%
50.0% 47%

40.0%

30.0% 25%

20.0%

10.0%

0.0%
CDC (Centers for WHO (World State government Local government Federal Newspapers Cable TV Online news Social media
Disease Control Health government
and Prevention) Organization)

Note: United States; March 13 to 16, 2020; 18 years and older; 1,092
Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 41.
13 Source(s): Axios; Ipsos North America; ID 1104557 News consumption
Least trusted sources of news for information about the coronavirus outbreak in the United States
as of March 2020
Least trusted sources of coronavirus news U.S. 2020

70.0%

60%
60.0%

50.0%
Share of respondents

41%
40.0% 37%
34%
32% 31% 30%
30.0%

20.0%

10.0%

0.0%
Social media Podcasts Online-only news sites Cable news networks Network news Newspapers Radio

Note: United States; March 12 to 15, 2020; 18 years and older; 2,200; among those who said they had not much or not at all trust in the source
Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 42.
14 Source(s): Morning Consult; The Hollywood Reporter; ID 1104569 News consumption
Share of adults who have seen fake or made up news about the coronavirus outbreak in the United
States as of March 2020, by political affiliation
Fake news exposure and the coronavirus U.S. 2020, by politics

Total Republicans/leaning Republicans Democrats/leaning Democrats

45.0%

39%
40.0%
35%
34%
35.0%
32% 32%
30%
30.0%
Share of respondents

25.0% 23%
20%
20.0%
16%
14%
15.0%
12%
10%
10.0%

5.0%

0.0%
A lot Some Not much None at all

Note: United States; March 10 to 16, 2020; 18 years and older; 8,914
Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 43.
15 Source(s): Pew Research Center; ID 1105067 News consumption
CORONAVIRUS: IMPACT ON MEDIA CONSUMPTION IN THE
U.S.

TV and SVoD consumption

Coronavirus impact: increase in year-on-year viewership of leading cable news networks in the
United States between March 2019 and March 2020, by number of primetime viewers (in millions)
U.S. cable news networks: coronavirus viewership impact 2019-2020

Number of viewers in millions

March 9 to 15, 2020* March 11 to 17, 2019

0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4

3.54
Fox News
2.39

2.85
CNN
0.94

2.3
MSNBC
1.87

Note: United States; March 11 to 17, 2019 and March 9 to 15, 2020; 2 years and older; excluding breaking news & specials
Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 44.
17 Source(s): Nielsen; U.S. News & World Report; TheWrap; ID 1105352 TV and SVoD consumption
Coronavirus and TV viewing: most watched television programs in the United States in the week
March 9 to 15, 2020, by number of primetime viewers (in millions)
Coronavirus TV viewing: popular programs U.S. 2020

Number of viewers in millions

0 2 4 6 8 10 12

NCIS (CBS) 10.76

60 Minutes (CBS) 10.44

Democratic Presidential Debate (CNN) 9.9

Young Sheldon (CBS) 8.89

The Voice (Monday 9th, NBC) 8.74

The Bachelor (Tuesday 10th, NBC) 8.55

FBI (CBS) 8.31

Blue Bloods (CBS) 8.14

The Bachelor (Monday 9th, NBC) 7.75

American Idol (ABC) 7.47

Note: United States; March 9 to 15, 2020

Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 45.
18 Source(s): Nielsen; McClatchy (Tacoma News Tribune); ID 1105855 TV and SVoD consumption
Coronavirus impact: increase in SVoD viewing compared to the previous month in the United
States from January to March 2020, by service
Coronavirus: SVoD audience change U.S. 2020, by service

January 2020 February 2020 March 2020

60.0% 55.62%
50.51%
50.0% 45.94%
43.75%
39.07% 40.88%
40.0% 35.52%

30.0%
Audience change

17.75% 17.45%
20.0% 15% 14.43% 14.41%

10.0% 7.32%
0.16%
0.0%

-10.0% -4.8% -4.48%

-9.06%
-11.16%
-13.71%
-20.0% -15.74% -16.6%
-18.07% -19.54%
-30.0%
-27.66%

-40.0%
Netflix Amazon Prime Video Hulu Disney+ HBO Apple TV+ Other SVoD services* All SVoD services

Note: January to March 2020

Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 46.
19 Source(s): Reelgood; ID 1110293 TV and SVoD consumption
Coronavirus impact: distribution of SVoD viewing compared to the previous month in the United
States from January to March 2020, by daypart
Coronavirus: SVoD audience distribution during business hours U.S. 2020, by daypart

January 2020 February 2020 March 2020

60.0% 56.89%
55.67%
51.39%
48.61%
50.0%
44.33%
43.11%

40.0%
Audience distribution

30.0%

20.0%

10.0%

0.0%
Business Hours Off Hours

Note: January to March 2020; business hours are from 8am to 6pm; off hours are from 7pm to 7am
Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 47.
20 Source(s): Reelgood; ID 1110412 TV and SVoD consumption
Coronavirus impact: change in SVoD viewing compared to the previous month in the United States
from January to March 2020, by genre
Coronavirus: SVoD audience change U.S. 2020, by genre

January 2020 February 2020 March 2020

30.0%

20.0%

10.0%

0.0%
Audience change

-10.0%

-20.0%

-30.0%

-40.0%

-50.0%

-60.0%
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Note: January to March 2020

Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 48.
21 Source(s): Reelgood; ID 1110403 TV and SVoD consumption
Share of adults who are more likely to watch TV or movies on streaming services due to the
coronavirus outbreak in the United States as of March 2020, by generation
Watching online TV and movies more due to the coronavirus U.S. 2020, by generation

Movies TV

60.0%

50% 50% 49%

50.0% 47% 48% 48%

43%
41%
40.0%
Share of respondents

34%
30%
30.0%

20.0%

10.0%

0.0%
Total Gen Z Millennials Gen X Baby Boomers

Note: United States; March 5 to 7, 2020; 18 years and older; 2,200; among respondents who were much more or somewhat more likely to stream TV or movies
Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 49.
22 Source(s): Morning Consult; The Hollywood Reporter; ID 1104113 TV and SVoD consumption
Share of adults who are more likely to subscribe to a new TV or movie streaming service due to the
coronavirus outbreak in the United States as of March 2020, by generation
Subscribing to SVoD services due to the coronavirus U.S. 2020, by generation

35.0%

30%
30.0%
27%
25%
25.0%
Share of respondents

20.0%

15%
15.0%

10.0%

5.0%

0.0%
Gen Z Millennials Gen X Boomers

Note: United States; March 5 to 7, 2020; 18 years and older; 2,200; among respondents who were much more or somewhat more likely to subscribe
Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 50.
23 Source(s): Morning Consult; The Hollywood Reporter; ID 1104003 TV and SVoD consumption
Coronavirus forecasts: estimated year-on-year subscriber growth rate of Netflix in North America
and worldwide as of March 2020
Netflix subscriber growth forecasts: coronavirus impact 2020

35.0%

30.9%
30.0%

25.0%
Subscriber growth

20.0%

15.0%

10.0%

5.0% 3.8%

0.0%
UCAN (U.S. and Canada) subscriber growth International subscriber growth

Note: Worldwide, North America; March 2020

Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 51.
24 Source(s): Expert(s) (Michael Olson); The Motley Fool; ID 1105767 TV and SVoD consumption
CORONAVIRUS: IMPACT ON MEDIA CONSUMPTION IN THE
U.S.

Media spending
Do you expect to spend more or less on video games because of the coronavirus, or is there no
change?
COVID-19: video game spending change as of April 2020

70.0%

60.0% 58%

50.0%
Share of respondents

40.0%

30.0%

19%
20.0%

12%
10%
10.0%

0.0%
More No change Less Don't know/no opinion

Note: United States; April 3-5, 2020; 18 years and older; 2,200
Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 52.
26 Source(s): Morning Consult; ID 1104521 Media spending
Share of adults who are more likely to spend more on music streaming services due to the
coronavirus outbreak in the United States as of March 2020, by generation
Music streaming spending increase due to the coronavirus U.S. 2020, by generation

March 6 to 9, 2020 March 13 to 16, 2020

20.0%
18% 18%
18.0%

16.0%
14%
14.0%
Share of respondents

12.0%
10% 10%
10.0%

8.0%
6%
6.0% 5%

4.0% 3%

2.0%

0.0%
Gen Z Millennials Gen X Boomers

Note: United States; March 6 to 9, 2020 and March 13 to 16, 2020; 18 years and older; 2,200; among respondents who said they would spend more
Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 53.
27 Source(s): Morning Consult; The Hollywood Reporter; ID 1104615 Media spending
Share of adults who are more likely to spend more on movie and TV streaming services due to the
coronavirus outbreak in the United States as of March 2020, by generation
SVoD spending increase due to the coronavirus U.S. 2020, by generation

March 6 to 9, 2020 March 13 to 16, 2020

30.0%

26%

25.0% 24%

20.0%
Share of respondents

16%
15%
15.0% 14%
13%

10%
10.0%

6%

5.0%

0.0%
Gen Z Millennials Gen X Boomers

Note: United States; March 6 to 9, 2020 and March 13 to 16, 2020; 18 years and older; 2,200; among respondents who said they would spend more
Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 54.
28 Source(s): Morning Consult; The Hollywood Reporter; ID 1104608 Media spending
Share of adults who are more likely to rent movies to watch at home due to the coronavirus
outbreak in the United States as of March 2020, by generation
Renting movies to watch at home due to the coronavirus U.S. 2020, by generation

40.0%
37%
36%
35%
35.0%

30.0%

25%
Share of respondents

25.0%

20.0%

15.0%

10.0%

5.0%

0.0%
Gen Z Millennials Gen X Boomers

Note: United States; March 5 to 7, 2020; 18 years and older; 2,200; among respondents who were much more or somewhat more likely to rent movies
Further information regarding this statistic can be found on page 55.
29 Source(s): Morning Consult; The Hollywood Reporter; ID 1104125 Media spending
CORONAVIRUS: IMPACT ON MEDIA CONSUMPTION IN THE
U.S.

References
Share of adults who support media events being postponed or canceled due to the coronavirus
outbreak in the United States as of March 2020
Coronavirus and the media: support for restricting events U.S. 2020

Description
Source and methodology information
A study conducted on the coronavirus and the media in the United States in March 2020 revealed that only 38
Source(s) Morning Consult; The Hollywood Reporter percent of adults strongly or somewhat supported the U.S. government's decision to shut down movie theaters
due to the outbreak, whereas more respondents supported the cancellation of upcoming movie premieres. The
Conducted by Morning Consult; The Hollywood Reporter
media has been awash with reports of the latest closures of entertainment venues and media event
Survey period March 5 to 7, 2020 cancellations in the United States and worldwide, and economic concerns about the impact of these closures are
rising. Whilst survey respondents seemed a little more skeptical about theater closures than other venues, 51
Region(s) United States percent supported the postponement of live music concerts. For popular touring artists, live music events
typically involve thousands or tens of thousands or participants, and musicians and bands around the globe
Number of respondents 2,200 have pulled or postponed national and worldwide tours in a bid to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Age group 18 years and older

Special characteristics among those who strongly or somewhat support the decision

Published by Morning Consult

Publication date March 2020

Original source Morning Consult National Tracking Poll #200320, pages 68-88

Website URL visit the website

Notes: n.a.

Back to statistic

31 References
Share of adults who oppose media events being postponed or canceled due to the coronavirus
outbreak in the United States as of March 2020
Coronavirus and the media: opposition for restricting events U.S. 2020

Description
Source and methodology information
A study conducted on the coronavirus and the media in the United States in March 2020 revealed that 44
Source(s) Morning Consult; The Hollywood Reporter percent of adults strongly or somewhat opposed the U.S. government's decision to shut down movie theaters
due to the outbreak. Movie theater closures were the most contentious issue among survey respondents, with
Conducted by Morning Consult; The Hollywood Reporter
less resistance towards live concert postponements and movie premiere cancellations. The study also found that
Survey period March 5 to 7, 2020 strong opposition to movie theater closures was higher among Republicans, Boomers, and respondents living in
rural parts of the United States.
Region(s) United States

Number of respondents 2,200

Age group 18 years and older

Special characteristics among those who strongly or somewhat oppose the decision

Published by Morning Consult

Publication date March 2020

Original source Morning Consult National Tracking Poll #200320, pages 68-88

Website URL visit the website

Notes: n.a.

Back to statistic

32 References
Share of adults who believe that selected members of the media industry are responsible for
restricting the spread of the coronavirus outbreak in the United States as of March 2020
Media responsibility and coronavirus containment U.S. 2020

Description
Source and methodology information
According to a survey conducted in the United States in March 2020, more adults believed that movie theater
Source(s) Morning Consult; The Hollywood Reporter chains were responsible for preventing the spread of the coronavirus than concert venue operators, industry
executives, actors, or musicians, with 40 percent saying that they considered theater chains to be very or
Conducted by Morning Consult; The Hollywood Reporter
somewhat responsible. Whilst musicians across the globe have canceled their tours and events, just 27 percent
Survey period March 5 to 7, 2020 of respondents said that they felt music artists themselves were heavily responsible for curbing the spread of
COVID-19.
Region(s) United States

Number of respondents 2,200

Age group 18 years and older

Special characteristics among those who think each is very or somewhat responsible

Published by Morning Consult

Publication date March 2020

Original source Morning Consult National Tracking Poll #200320, pages 93-118

Website URL visit the website

Notes: n.a.

Back to statistic

33 References
Share of adults who believe that selected members of the media industry are responsible for restricting
the spread of the coronavirus outbreak in the United States as of March 2020, by generation
Media responsibility and coronavirus containment U.S. 2020, by generation

Description
Source and methodology information
According to a survey conducted in the United States in March 2020, more Millennials believed that concert
Source(s) Morning Consult; The Hollywood Reporter venue operators were responsible for preventing the spread of the coronavirus than movie theater chains,
industry executives, actors, or musicians, with 44 percent saying that they considered concert venue operators
Conducted by Morning Consult; The Hollywood Reporter
to be very or somewhat responsible. Millennials in general held the media industry more accountable than adults
Survey period March 5 to 7, 2020 in any other age group.

Region(s) United States

Number of respondents 2,200

Age group 18 years and older

Special characteristics among those who think each is very or somewhat responsible

Published by Morning Consult

Publication date March 2020

Original source Morning Consult National Tracking Poll #200320, pages 93-118

Website URL visit the website

Notes: n.a.

Back to statistic

34 References
Public opinion on the amount of attention paid to the coronavirus by the news media in the United
States as of March 2020, by political affiliation
Media attention and the coronavirus U.S. 2020, by politics

Description
Source and methodology information
A survey held in March 2020 revealed that 41 percent of participating U.S. adults felt that the news media was
Source(s) YouGov paying too much attention to the coronavirus. Attitudes varies according to political standpoint; whilst just 24
percent of Democrats believed that there was too much media coverage of the pandemic, the same was true for
Conducted by YouGov
almost 60 percent of Republicans.
Survey period March 10 to 11, 2020

Region(s) United States

Number of respondents 1.635

Age group 18 years and older

Special characteristics n.a.

Published by YouGov

Publication date March 2020

Original source Yahoo! News Coronavirus - March 11, 2020, page 5

Website URL visit the website

Notes: Question: Has the news media been giving too much or too little attention
to coronavirus?

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35 References
Share of adults who think the media has exaggerated news about the coronavirus outbreak in the
United States as of March 2020, by political affiliation
Opinion on the media exaggerating coronavirus news U.S. 2020, by politics

Description
Source and methodology information
A study held in the United States in March 2020 revealed that 62 percent of responding adults felt that the media
Source(s) Pew Research Center has greatly or at least slightly exaggerated news about the coronavirus pandemic. Opinions varied according to
political standpoint, with just 49 percent of Democrats or left-leaning audiences feeling that the news about
Conducted by Pew Research Center
COVID-19 had been exaggerated by the media, compared to 77 percent of Republican or right-leaning news
Survey period March 10 to 16, 2020 consumers.

Region(s) United States

Number of respondents 8,914

Age group 18 years and older

Special characteristics among those who felt the media had greatly or slightly exaggerated news
about the coronavirus outbreak

Published by Pew Research Center

Publication date March 2020

Original source journalism.org

Website URL visit the website

Notes: n.a.

Back to statistic

36 References
Public opinion on the accuracy of news about the coronavirus in the United States as of March
2020, by political affiliation
Media accuracy and the coronavirus U.S. 2020, by politics

Description
Source and methodology information
A survey held in March 2020 showed that 56 percent of Democrats believed that the news about the coronavirus
Source(s) YouGov outbreak had been mostly accurate so far, whereas Independents and Republicans were more skeptical, with
just 34 percent of responding adults in each political party saying that they felt the same. Interestingly, more than
Conducted by YouGov
30 percent of adults in each party said that they were unsure about the accuracy of the news they read about
Survey period March 10 to 11, 2020 the coronavirus, suggesting that many consumers may struggle to digest available facts or follow advice if they
are uncertain whether or not the information they are reading in the news is reliable.
Region(s) United States

Number of respondents 1.635

Age group 18 years and older

Special characteristics n.a.

Published by YouGov

Publication date March 2020

Original source Yahoo! News Coronavirus - March 11, 2020, page 6

Website URL visit the website

Notes: Question: How accurate has the information about coronavirus in the
news media been?

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37 References
Coronavirus impact: increase in average household viewership of local newscasts in the United
States between February 10 and March 9, 2020
U.S. local newscasts: coronavirus viewership impact 2020

Description
Source and methodology information
Between the weeks of February 10 and March 9, 2020, the top 25 DMAs (Designated Market Areas) in the
Source(s) comScore; Offremedia United States saw an average increase of 11 percent in daily household viewership of local news. Several
markets saw growth of more than 15 percent, though the highest was Seattle-Tacoma with 28 percent more
Conducted by comScore
households viewing local news on a daily basis in the week ending March 9 than in the corresponding week of
Survey period February 10 to March 9, 2020 February 2020.

Region(s) United States

Number of respondents n.a.

Age group n.a.

Special characteristics n.a.

Published by Offremedia

Publication date March 2020

Original source offremedia.com

Website URL visit the website

Notes: n.a.

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38 References
Share of adults who are closely following news about the coronavirus in the United States as of
March 2020, by age group
Consumers keeping updated with the coronavirus U.S. 2020, by age group

Description
Source and methodology information
A survey held in March 2020 revealed that 37 percent of participating U.S. adults were closely following news
Source(s) YouGov about the coronavirus, whereas just three percent said that they were not keeping up with news about the
COVID-19 outbreak at all. Adults aged 65 or above were more likely to be following the news regularly, whereas
Conducted by YouGov
more respondents who were 18 to 29 years old age admitted that they were not keeping up with coronavirus
Survey period March 10 to 11, 2020 news at all than adults in any other age group.

Region(s) United States

Number of respondents 1.635

Age group 18 years and older

Special characteristics n.a.

Published by YouGov

Publication date March 2020

Original source Yahoo! News Coronavirus - March 11, 2020, page 1

Website URL visit the website

Notes: Question: How closely are you following the news about coronavirus?

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39 References
Most used sources of news for information about the coronavirus in the United States as of March
2020, by age group
Most used sources of coronavirus news U.S. 2020, by age group

Description
Source and methodology information
According to a survey conducted in March 2020, 58 percent of U.S. news consumers said that they were
Source(s) YouGov seeking out the latest information about the coronavirus via news media in general, including TV news, radio
news, online news, and newspapers. In fact, 70 percent of adults aged 55 or above were getting most of their
Conducted by YouGov
news about the virus this way, compared to just 37 percent of 18 to 24-year-olds who were more likely than their
Survey period March 13, 2020 older peers to turn to websites or social media posts from government or health agencies.

Region(s) United States

Number of respondents 5,747

Age group 18 years and older

Special characteristics n.a.

Published by YouGov

Publication date March 2020

Original source today.yougov.com

Website URL visit the website

Notes: Question: Which, if any, of the following has been your primary source for
information about COVID-19?

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40 References
Most trusted sources of news for information about the coronavirus in the United States as of
March 2020
Most trusted sources of coronavirus news U.S. 2020

Description
Source and methodology information
As the United States battles the coronavirus, news consumers across the country have been attempting to keep
Source(s) Axios; Ipsos North America themselves updated with how the pandemic is progressing, and a survey held in March 2020 revealed that the
most trusted news source for details on COVID-19 was the CDC, with 85 percent of respondents saying that
Conducted by Axios; Ipsos North America
they trusted the centers to provide accurate information on the topic. Following closely behind was the World
Survey period March 13 to 16, 2020 Health Organization and then the state government, but just 25 percent of consumers said that they trusted
social media sites to publish reliable and accurate news about the coronavirus outbreak.
Region(s) United States

Number of respondents 1,092

Age group 18 years and older

Special characteristics n.a.

Published by Axios

Publication date March 2020

Original source axios.com

Website URL visit the website

Notes: Question: Which of the following do you trust to provide you with accurate
information on COVID-19?

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41 References
Least trusted sources of news for information about the coronavirus outbreak in the United States
as of March 2020
Least trusted sources of coronavirus news U.S. 2020

Description
Source and methodology information
As the coronavirus has spread throughout the United States and across the globe, consumers have turned to
Source(s) Morning Consult; The Hollywood Reporter the media to inform about them how the pandemic is progressing and have been seeking news from sources
they trust, and 60 percent of respondents to a U.S. survey said that they did not trust social media to provide
Conducted by Morning Consult; The Hollywood Reporter
correct information about the outbreak. Social media was by far the least trusted news outlet for coronavirus
Survey period March 12 to 15, 2020 updates, followed by podcasts and online-only news sites. Conversely, traditional media outlets like newspapers
and radio fared better in terms of consumer trust, along with cable and network news.
Region(s) United States

Number of respondents 2,200

Age group 18 years and older

Special characteristics among those who said they had not much or not at all trust in the source

Published by Morning Consult

Publication date March 2020

Original source Morning Consult National Tracking Poll #200342, pages 100-130

Website URL visit the website

Notes: Question: To what extent do you trust the following to provide correct
information about the coronavirus outbreak?

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42 References
Share of adults who have seen fake or made up news about the coronavirus outbreak in the United
States as of March 2020, by political affiliation
Fake news exposure and the coronavirus U.S. 2020, by politics

Description
Source and methodology information
A study in March 2020 showed that around 47 percent of surveyed U.S. adults had encountered a lot or at least
Source(s) Pew Research Center some news about the coronavirus which seemed completely made up, highlighting the issue of fake news
circulation and unreptuable sources seeking to capitalize on the public's need for news and updates in times of
Conducted by Pew Research Center
crisis. Interestingly, more right-leaning audiences professed to have come across mae up news than Democrats,
Survey period March 10 to 16, 2020 with just 16 percent of Republicans saying that they had seen made up news about the coronavirus, compared
to 23 percent of news consumers who left-leaning.
Region(s) United States

Number of respondents 8,914

Age group 18 years and older

Special characteristics n.a.

Published by Pew Research Center

Publication date March 2020

Original source journalism.org

Website URL visit the website

Notes: n.a.

Back to statistic

43 References
Coronavirus impact: increase in year-on-year viewership of leading cable news networks in the
United States between March 2019 and March 2020, by number of primetime viewers (in millions)
U.S. cable news networks: coronavirus viewership impact 2019-2020

Description
Source and methodology information
In the week running from March 9 to 15, 2020, Fox News averaged 3.54 million viewers in primetime, and CNN
Source(s) Nielsen; U.S. News & World Report; TheWrap outperformed MSNBC with its primetime audience of 2.85 million. Comparing these figures to the corresponding
week of the previous year, primetime viewership is noticeably higher among all three of the major cable news
Conducted by Nielsen
networks. Cable news network viewership varies monthly , though Fox News generally comes out on top, but the
Survey period March 11 to 17, 2019 and March 9 to 15, 2020 TV industry as a whole will be keeping a close eye on developments and ratings in spring 2020 in light of the
coronavirus outbreak. The pandemic which is driving people indoors as they self-isolate, contrary to normal
Region(s) United States spring behaviour which tends to send viewers outdoors and away from their television sets. Important to note
here is that on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization announced that the coronavirus was a global
Number of respondents n.a. pandemic, right in the middle of the week in March 2020 presented in the graph. In that week, Fox News
averaged over one million more primetime viewers than in the corresponding period in 2019, and CNN's
Age group 2 years and older
primetime audience was around three times higher.
Special characteristics excluding breaking news & specials

Published by U.S. News & World Report

Publication date March 2020

Original source usnews.com

Website URL visit the website

Notes: *In the middle of this period on March 11, 2020, the WHO (World Health
Organization) declared the coronavirus to be a global pandemic. Figures
have been rounded.

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44 References
Coronavirus and TV viewing: most watched television programs in the United States in the week
March 9 to 15, 2020, by number of primetime viewers (in millions)
Coronavirus TV viewing: popular programs U.S. 2020

Description
Source and methodology information
In the week running from March 9 to 15, 2020, the most watched television program in the United States was
Source(s) Nielsen; McClatchy (Tacoma News Tribune) 'NCIS' on CBS, with 10.76 million primetime viewers. CBS shows '60 Minutes', 'Young Sheldon', and 'Blue
Bloods' also drew in over eight million viewers each during primetime. The coronavirus outbreak in the United
Conducted by Nielsen
States is expected to impact TV viewing as individuals self-isolate and enjoy media from home in place of being
Survey period March 9 to 15, 2020 able to attend events, visit cinemas, or engage in their usual social activities. The WHO (World Health
Organization) declared the coronavirus a global pandemic on March 11, 2020.
Region(s) United States

Number of respondents n.a.

Age group n.a.

Special characteristics n.a.

Published by McClatchy (Tacoma News Tribune)

Publication date March 2020

Original source thenewstribune.com

Website URL visit the website

Notes: n.a.

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45 References
Coronavirus impact: increase in SVoD viewing compared to the previous month in the United
States from January to March 2020, by service
Coronavirus: SVoD audience change U.S. 2020, by service

Description
Source and methodology information
Whilst the long term effects of the coronavirus on the media industry will take time to manifest themselves, it is
Source(s) Reelgood already clear that SVoD consumption saw a massive increase as consumers self-isolated at home, with some
platforms seeing audience growth of over 40 percent in March 2020 compared to the previous month. One
Conducted by Reelgood
service which saw this level of growth is VOD newcomer, Disney Plus, which saw its audience increase by 43.75
Survey period January to March 2020 percent, an enormous change compared to the months of January and February. Market leader Netflix also saw
a positive change with viewing up by 39.07 percent. However, it was HBO which saw the biggest increase - its
Region(s) United States audience in March was up 55.62 percent from the previous month. HBO viewers increased their movie viewing
by 70 percent , and daily binge watching was also up from the last four weeks.
Number of respondents n.a.

Age group n.a.

Special characteristics n.a.

Published by Reelgood

Publication date April 2020

Original source reelgood.com

Website URL visit the website

Notes: *Other SVoD services includes the following: 60 Minutes All Access, Acorn
TV, AMC Premiere, BET+, BritBox, CBS All Access, Cinemax (Via Hulu),
Crunchyroll, DC Universe, DramaFever, Epix Now, Fandor, fuboTV,
Funimation, Hallmark Movies Now, IndieFlix, Kanopy, MUBI, Realeyz,
Showtime, Shudder, STARZ, [...] For more information visit our Website

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46 References
Coronavirus impact: distribution of SVoD viewing compared to the previous month in the United
States from January to March 2020, by daypart
Coronavirus: SVoD audience distribution during business hours U.S. 2020, by daypart

Description
Source and methodology information
Measures introduced to stem the spread of the coronavirus outbreak in the United States meant that many
Source(s) Reelgood consumers were spending significantly more time at home during March 2020, which impacted SVoD viewing.
During business hours, or from 8am to 6pm, SVoD audiences of major platforms in the U.S. amounted to 48.61
Conducted by Reelgood
percent, up by 5.5 percent from January. With more SVoD audiences at home with more time to watch content, it
Survey period January to March 2020 follows that there was an increase in audience size in that time period and a drop in viewers watching SVoD in
the evenings.
Region(s) United States

Number of respondents n.a.

Age group n.a.

Special characteristics business hours are from 8am to 6pm; off hours are from 7pm to 7am

Published by Reelgood

Publication date April 2020

Original source reelgood.com

Website URL visit the website

Notes: n.a.

Back to statistic

47 References
Coronavirus impact: change in SVoD viewing compared to the previous month in the United States
from January to March 2020, by genre
Coronavirus: SVoD audience change U.S. 2020, by genre

Description
Source and methodology information
In March 2020, the coronavirus outbreak spread rapidly throughout the United States, instigating new rules to
Source(s) Reelgood stem the spread of the disease like social distancing and self-isolation or 'sheltering in place', which meant that
many consumers spent more time at home watching SVoD content, and certain genres were considered
Conducted by Reelgood
preferable to others. Science fiction increased by almost 16 percent month on month on major SVoD platforms,
Survey period January to March 2020 whilst romance and comedy each saw a small drop.

Region(s) United States

Number of respondents n.a.

Age group n.a.

Special characteristics n.a.

Published by Reelgood

Publication date April 2020

Original source reelgood.com

Website URL visit the website

Notes: n.a.

Back to statistic

48 References
Share of adults who are more likely to watch TV or movies on streaming services due to the
coronavirus outbreak in the United States as of March 2020, by generation
Watching online TV and movies more due to the coronavirus U.S. 2020, by generation

Description
Source and methodology information
According to a study held in March 2020, 43 percent of adults in the United States are much more or somewhat
Source(s) Morning Consult; The Hollywood Reporter more likely to watch movies via a streaming service due to the coronavirus outbreak. Over 40 percent of adults
also said that they were likely to watch more televison online, and many consumers also stated that they would
Conducted by Morning Consult; The Hollywood Reporter
probably sign up to a new service as a result of the pandemic. Millennial and Gen Z consumers favored movies
Survey period March 5 to 7, 2020 over TV shows, and Boomers were notably less likely to increase their consumption of either streamed films or
television.
Region(s) United States

Number of respondents 2,200

Age group 18 years and older

Special characteristics among respondents who were much more or somewhat more likely to
stream TV or movies

Published by Morning Consult

Publication date March 2020

Original source Morning Consult National Tracking Poll #200320, pages 43-48

Website URL visit the website

Notes: Question: Are you more or less likely to do the following because of the
coronavirus outbreak? Watch movies/TV via a streaming service

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49 References
Share of adults who are more likely to subscribe to a new TV or movie streaming service due to the
coronavirus outbreak in the United States as of March 2020, by generation
Subscribing to SVoD services due to the coronavirus U.S. 2020, by generation

Description
Source and methodology information
According to a survey held in March 2020, Millennials in the United States were more likely to sign up to movie
Source(s) Morning Consult; The Hollywood Reporter or television streaming services as a result of the coronavirus outbreak than respondents in other age groups,
with 30 percent saying they were much more or somewhat more likely to do so, compared to just 15 percent of
Conducted by Morning Consult; The Hollywood Reporter
Boomers. The coronavirus is already negatively impacting industries around the globe, but if the Gen Z,
Survey period March 5 to 7, 2020 Millennial, and Gen X adults who participated in this survey do in fact sign up to new services, those companies
may benefit.
Region(s) United States

Number of respondents 2,200

Age group 18 years and older

Special characteristics among respondents who were much more or somewhat more likely to
subscribe

Published by Morning Consult

Publication date March 2020

Original source Morning Consult National Tracking Poll #200320, page 58

Website URL visit the website

Notes: Question: Are you more or less likely to do the following because of the
coronavirus outbreak? Subscribe to a new TV or movie streaming service

Back to statistic

50 References
Coronavirus forecasts: estimated year-on-year subscriber growth rate of Netflix in North America
and worldwide as of March 2020
Netflix subscriber growth forecasts: coronavirus impact 2020

Description
Source and methodology information
Although analysts predicted that Netflix's subscriber base in the United States and Canada would grow by 1.6
Source(s) Expert(s) (Michael Olson); The Motley Fool percent between 2019 and 2020, the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on SVoD consumption is already
visible, and an expert suggested that subscriber growth in the UCAN region could now reach 3.8 percent year-on
Conducted by Expert(s) (Michael Olson)
-year. International subscriber growth is expected to amount to 30.9 percent, up by one percent from previous
Survey period March 2020 industry estimates.

Region(s) Worldwide, North America

Number of respondents n.a.

Age group n.a.

Special characteristics n.a.

Published by The Motley Fool

Publication date March 2020

Original source fool.com

Website URL visit the website

Notes: n.a.

Back to statistic

51 References
Do you expect to spend more or less on video games because of the coronavirus, or is there no
change?
COVID-19: video game spending change as of April 2020

Description
Source and methodology information
The COVID-19 pandemic that spread across the world at the beginning of 2020 was not only a big threat to
Source(s) Morning Consult public health, but also to the entire entertainment industry. While cinemas and theaters closed their doors to try
to stem the spread of the disease, many people turned to home entertainment during periods of self-isolation.
Conducted by Morning Consult
During an April 2020 survey in the United States, 19 percent of respondents stated that they expected to spend
Survey period April 3-5, 2020 more on video games due to the coronavirus. However, some 58 percent said that there would be no change in
their spending habits on video games.
Region(s) United States

Number of respondents 2,200

Age group 18 years and older

Special characteristics n.a.

Published by Morning Consult

Publication date April 2020

Original source morningconsult.com

Website URL visit the website

Notes: n.a.

Back to statistic

52 References
Share of adults who are more likely to spend more on music streaming services due to the
coronavirus outbreak in the United States as of March 2020, by generation
Music streaming spending increase due to the coronavirus U.S. 2020, by generation

Description
Source and methodology information
According to two surveys held in March 2020, consumers of all ages were likely to spend more on music
Source(s) Morning Consult; The Hollywood Reporter streaming services as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, with 18 percent of Millennials saying that they
believed they would do so, compared to five percent of Boomers. Between the two surveys, the WHO declared
Conducted by Morning Consult; The Hollywood Reporter
COVID-19 to be a pandemic as more and more cases were reported around the globe, and as more individuals
Survey period March 6 to 9, 2020 and March 13 to 16, 2020 practise social distancing and self-isolate, online media sources will likely increase in appeal to those looking to
occupy themselves whilst they stay at home.
Region(s) United States

Number of respondents 2,200

Age group 18 years and older

Special characteristics among respondents who said they would spend more

Published by Morning Consult

Publication date March 2020

Original source Morning Consult National Tracking Poll #200346, page 200

Website URL visit the website

Notes: Question:Do you expect to spend more or less on the following because
of the coronavirus, or is there no change? Music streaming services

Back to statistic

53 References
Share of adults who are more likely to spend more on movie and TV streaming services due to the
coronavirus outbreak in the United States as of March 2020, by generation
SVoD spending increase due to the coronavirus U.S. 2020, by generation

Description
Source and methodology information
According to two surveys held in March 2020, consumers of all ages were likely to spend more on movie or
Source(s) Morning Consult; The Hollywood Reporter television streaming services as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, particularly Millennials, 26 percent of whom
said in mid-March that they would do so. This figure is up by 12 percent from the results gathered in a similar
Conducted by Morning Consult; The Hollywood Reporter
survey which asked consumers the same question earlier in the month. It is worth noting that the WHO's
Survey period March 6 to 9, 2020 and March 13 to 16, 2020 announcement on March 11, 2020 declaring the coronavirus a pandemic occurred between these two surveys,
and as more and more individuals choose to self-isolate and media events have been canceled, SVoD
Region(s) United States consumption and spending could increase further as consumers turn to platforms which allow them to enjoy
entertainment from their own homes.
Number of respondents 2,200

Age group 18 years and older

Special characteristics among respondents who said they would spend more

Published by Morning Consult

Publication date March 2020

Original source Morning Consult National Tracking Poll #200346, page 190

Website URL visit the website

Notes: Question: Do you expect to spend more or less on the following because
of the coronavirus, or is there no change? Movie or TV streaming services

Back to statistic

54 References
Share of adults who are more likely to rent movies to watch at home due to the coronavirus
outbreak in the United States as of March 2020, by generation
Renting movies to watch at home due to the coronavirus U.S. 2020, by generation

Description
Source and methodology information
According to a study held in March 2020, adults classified as belonging to Generation Z, so those around 18 to
Source(s) Morning Consult; The Hollywood Reporter 22 years old, were the most likely to rent movies to watch at home due to the coronavirus. Due to many people
around the globe practising self-isolation and social distancing, movie and TV consumption, either online or
Conducted by Morning Consult; The Hollywood Reporter
otherwise, is likely to increase as media fans turn to SVoD platforms and home video options to enjoy their
Survey period March 5 to 7, 2020 favorite content in place of going to movie theaters or other entertainment venues.

Region(s) United States

Number of respondents 2,200

Age group 18 years and older

Special characteristics among respondents who were much more or somewhat more likely to rent
movies

Published by Morning Consult

Publication date March 2020

Original source Morning Consult National Tracking Poll #200320, page 53

Website URL visit the website

Notes: Question: Are you more or less likely to do the following because of the
coronavirus outbreak? Rent movies to watch at home

Back to statistic

55 References