LANHAM, MD: An estimated 68% of black Americans are
online, compared to 71% of all Americans, according to a survey from Radio One and research
firm Yankelovich. The survey recorded the habits and opinions of 3,400 African-Americans
ranging in age from 13 to 74 years old, including several categories devoted to
media and online consumption and usage.
Twenty-one percent of respondents reported that they shop
for fun frequently, and 19% said they "have to have what they like even if
it costs more than they would like to spend," according to the survey.
Looking at blacks' media usage, 84% of households have cable
and 87% listen to the radio in a given week. On TV, 64% watch news or
newsmagazines, 50% watch court shows, 46% watch entertainment shows, and 41%
watch sports. Eighty-one percent watch black TV channels, but about 50% of
those surveyed said they do not relate to the way black people are portrayed on
black-focused TV shows.
The survey also gathered information on blacks' opinions on
religion, education, and discrimination.