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The blockbuster ocean storm, also known as the “bomb cyclone,” plastered the East Coast with blinding snow and stinging winds. From North Carolina to Maine, many areas witnessed double-digit snowfall totals (Boston saw over 13 inches) while winds gusted 50 to 80 mph. The storm will also be remembered for the enormous amount of ocean water it pushed ashore, causing record high tides and major flooding in Boston and parts of eastern New England, as wind chills were causing already bone-chilling temperatures to plunge below zero in the region.
TVB once again enlisted research company Research Now to survey news media usage related to this unique and dangerous event. 796 respondents from the Boston (Manchester) DMA participated in the survey from Friday morning (1/5) to Saturday morning (1/6). The results of this survey mirror the findings of previous severe weather-related studies, including Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. They all found that the main information source for residents in a time of crisis – and the most trusted – is their local broadcast television station.
- 97% of respondents used local TV news for information about the storm.
- At 3 hours and 37 minutes, respondents spent more time with local television than any other source, nearly four times more than time spent with the 2nd highest platform.
- Local TV news was the most trusted source for coverage and information (84% of respondents agreed). Local TV digital assets were the most trusted digital source at 67%. Social media was the lowest at 36%.
- The top reason cited for watching local TV news was that respondents wanted information that pertained to their area.
Source: Research Now, 1/5-1/6/18 A18+
For more information, please contact Hadassa Gerber, Chief Research Officer, TVB.