Local broadcasters provide Americans’ most-trusted news. For the topics that affect our day-to-day lives, we turn to our hometown radio and television stations for the personal perspectives we need.

Calvin University’s Center for Social Research surveyed parents during 2020 and 2021 on important news topics and reported a substantial increase in interest for education coverage. The study is the first in a series that explores parents’ education information needs with an emphasis on the experiences and attitudes of people of color. 

When it comes to news about schools and education, the majority of parents look to local sources – like their TV and radio broadcasters. The survey found that over half of white and Hispanic parents rely on local TV stations and their websites for education related news, but the highest percentage is among Black parents at 77%. 

The Center for Social Research also found that the majority of parents from each racial group said local TV stations and their websites do a “good” or “excellent” job of relaying coverage for schools – with 72% of Black parents agreeing with this statement. 

The report for the study can be read here and interactive data visuals are available here. For more information about broadcasters’ trusted local news, visit WeAreBroadcasters.com.