This study examines the patterns and uses of podcast users. A survey was conducted of 354 fans of shows that are podcast. These fans were found via fan websites of the shows on Facebook and MySpace. The results indicate that the bulk of the podcast users are well educated and affluent. The respondents also prefer to listen to the podcasts via portable devices. Almost 90% of the users reported actually using the show they downloaded. Motivations of using podcasts include entertainment, timeshifting, library building, a favorable view of advertising and a social aspect of the podcasts that centers around discussing the shows with other fans. There is some evidence here to suggest that the social factor motivation is also a predictor of podcast use. Heavy users of podcasts also reported to not have a negative view of the advertisers who supported the podcasts.

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This study examines audience use of new media technologies found on NPR. org. A total of 514 members from NPR program fan groups found on Facebook were surveyed. The results indicate people prefer ''traditional'' Web site technologies: written articles, audio and video, podcasting, and links to local stations. Visitors use NPR.org to take control of their media experience, to be entertained, and to gather information. To gather information includes social interaction.There is some evidence that users may not be interested in new media features if the usefulness of these technologies is not apparent. Industry implications are also addressed.

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Advances in mobile phone technologies have changed the way news is consumed and created. Accordingly, this relates to three specific areas: 1.) people turn to their phones to consume news content, 2.) people use their phones to create news content, and 3.) news organizations are making accommodations based on these changes. In particular, research indicates an increase in the number of people who use their phones to access the news. In addition, given the availability of faster connections and phone-based multimedia capabilities, individuals now play a role in the creation news content. News organizations are taking notice and have adopted ways in which to utilize mobile phone capabilities, both in terms of the distribution and creation of news content. Suggested future research involves examining consumer use of more than one digital device at a time.

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Twitter, like other social media platforms, has been identified as a space for cultural groups to debate political ideologies, engage civically, and even form action strategies for social change. Since 2014, the #LatinoTwitter hashtag has been used by Latino users for these purposes. Despite the popularity of the hashtag, few studies have examined it or its users. This study provides the results of a discourse analysis of the 31,000 tweets from 2014–2016 that use the hashtag. The findings indicate Twitter has become a popular platform for Latinos to debate political issues, find parity between ethnic communities, and even promote Latino-centered brands.