The Pew Research Center, a nonpartisan fact tank, publicly acknowledges the extensive collaboration and expertise that underpin its ongoing investigations into the evolving landscape of news and information. This commitment to transparency extends to detailing the individuals and teams involved in its research, as well as its primary funding source: The Pew Charitable Trusts. Understanding this structure is crucial as the Center continues to release reports analyzing trends in media consumption, including a recent study examining internet use and smartphone ownership in the U.S.
The latest report, published January 8, 2026, highlights the continued dominance of broadband internet and smartphone access among American adults. Pew Research Center has tracked these technological shifts for 25 years, providing a long-term perspective on how Americans connect with information. This ongoing research into news habits and media is particularly relevant in an era marked by declining audiences for traditional news outlets, as noted in a November 2023 report. The Center’s work aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of these changes and their implications for journalism and civic life.
A Collaborative Research Effort
The Pew Research Center emphasizes that its reports are not the product of individual effort, but rather a collaborative undertaking. The Center’s news and information research team works in conjunction with its politics research team, as well as dedicated teams focused on methodology, communications, design, digital outreach, and editorial oversight. This interdisciplinary approach ensures a rigorous and multifaceted analysis of complex issues. The Center’s commitment to collaborative research is a key component of its mission to deliver high-quality, nonpartisan data and analysis.
Key Personnel Behind the Research
Several individuals played pivotal roles in the recent reports. Katerina Eva Matsa serves as Director of News and Information Research, providing overall leadership for the Center’s work in this area. Michael Lipka is the Associate Director, News and Information Research, and Emily Tomasik functions as a Research Analyst. Supporting their work are Joanne Haner and Naomi Forman-Katz, both Research Analysts, alongside Research Assistants Sawyer Reed and Luxuan Wang. Elisa Shearer, a Senior Researcher, also contributed significantly to the findings. This team’s combined expertise is essential for conducting the in-depth analysis that characterizes Pew Research Center’s reports.
Editorial and Design Contributions
Beyond the research team, the Center acknowledges the vital contributions of its editorial and graphic design staff. Mia Hennen serves as an Editorial Assistant, although David Kent holds the position of Senior Editorial Specialist. Peter Bell is the Associate Director of Design and Production, responsible for the visual presentation of the research findings. Andrea Caumont, as Associate Director of Digital Outreach, plays a key role in disseminating the Center’s work to a wider audience. These individuals ensure that the research is not only accurate and insightful but also accessible and engaging.
Communications and Web Publishing
The dissemination of Pew Research Center’s findings relies heavily on its communications and web publishing team. Sogand Afkari manages communications as the Communications Manager, supported by Talia Price, the Communications Associate. Janakee Chavda and Justine Coleman both serve as Associate Digital Producers, responsible for maintaining the Center’s online presence and ensuring that its research is readily available to the public. Their work is critical for maximizing the impact of the Center’s research and fostering informed public discourse.
Funding and Ongoing Investigation
Pew Research Center operates as a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts, which serves as its primary funder. This financial support enables the Center to conduct its ongoing investigation into the state of news, information, and journalism in the digital age. The Center’s commitment to independent, nonpartisan research is underscored by its reliance on philanthropic funding, allowing it to pursue its mission without external influence. The Center’s work is also supported by generous contributions from the John S. And James L. Knight Foundation.
As media consumption habits continue to evolve, Pew Research Center’s work remains essential for understanding the challenges and opportunities facing the news industry and the public it serves. The Center’s next scheduled report on news consumption trends is expected in late 2026, promising further insights into the changing media landscape. Readers interested in staying informed about the Center’s research can find related reports and data at pewresearch.org/topic/news-habits-media/.
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