A poll released today indicates strong growth in online news consumption in Canada but a continued preference by a majority of those surveyed for traditional sources of such information.

The Ipsos Reid poll, taken October 4-15 of 1,006 Canadians and commissioned by the Canadian Journalism Foundation, suggests a slow-changing environment in which the newscast and newspaper remain prominent.

The poll found 40 per cent turn to a newscast and 23 per cent to a newspaper daily for their fill. Community newspapers (19 per cent), all-news television (17), free papers (14) and radio newscasts (14) are next in line. Only then are newspaper websites and social media (13 per cent) in the list of preferred sources.

The poll also sought to define segments of consumers. Ipsos Reid said 10 per cent define themselves as hyper-newsies, consuming online and offline a variety of sources all day, while 29 per cent can be categorized as moderate newsies who are checking sources throughout the day.

A new forecast today from the Veronis Suhler Stevenson media analysis firm suggests that 2014 will be the year Americans spend more on digital media than on traditional media.

The typical consumer will spend $159.59 annually on Internet and mobile services and $158.15 on such services as newspapers, magazines and books. Overall the typical will spend about $1,080 annually to be connected and served by media.

In its report on the report, USA Today notes that cable and satellite will be the biggest winners. Newspapers, magazines and books will be slight losers.