By: Madeline Lowe

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) – For many young people, staying informed doesn’t begin with a newspaper or television broadcast, today, it typically begins with a scroll.

Young adults are redefining how news is consumed in the United States, shifting away from traditional platforms and toward digital and social media sources, according to recent data from the Pew Research Center.

About 93% of adults under 30 say they at least sometimes get news from digital devices, while roughly 76% report getting news from social media, a stark contrast to older generations.

This shift raises important questions about credibility, accuracy, and the future of journalism as audiences prioritize accessibility and relatability over traditional authority.

So as news consumption habits evolve, so must the journalists entering the field.

Programs like the Lemke Journalism Project at the University of Arkansas work to prepare students for just that.

“It gives me more opportunities for connections,” said Sami Lawrence, a junior at Rogers High School. “I feel more confident emailing and interviewing people.”

Through real world reporting opportunities, student journalists gain practical skills that extend beyond traditional newsroom formats, helping them learn how to engage audiences across digital platforms.

“It’s not just print. It’s not just writing. There’s a lot of different forms of journalism,” said Bailey Aguilar, a journalism teacher at Rogers High School.

The program reflects a broader effort within journalism education to meet audiences where they are, particularly as younger generations increasingly turn to social media and online sources for news.

As the definition of journalism continues to expand, it’s clear opportunities are growing for the next generation of reporters, whether they are trained to navigate traditional standards or modern platforms.

Ensuring they are prepared to inform audiences wherever they choose to consume news.