It’s official – news consumption via mobile media now surpasses desktop computers and newspapers, according to research by the Reynolds Journalism Institute (RJI).

Here at Scott Public Relations, we’ve taken to referring to mobile phones as “the computer in your pocket.” The rise of the mobile phone as “the” communication device today has spurred the new field of mobile marketing to new heights. This research data demonstrates the power of mobile devices as companies’ route to communication with consumers and to influence.

This study found that in every age group except for those 65 and older, the percentage of respondents who used mobile media devices to keep up with news exceeded the percentages of those who used desk top computers for news.

Smartphones topped the use of devices used (56.6%) following by all types of media tablets (32.4%) , 7.8 % used e-readers, and more than half used other mobile media (percentages topped 100% because people are using multiple devices).

Newspapers’ role as the primary news source is now held only by the 65-and-older age group.

This news emphasizes not only the importance of communicating directly via mobile devices, but of making all communication resources for a company or organization mobile friendly, so they can be clearly read and be interactive on these mobile devices.

Google’s new search algorithm, Hummingbird, also relies more heavily on information sources that are readable on mobile platforms, giving another reason to give a check-up to your own communication platforms.

Are you using your phone and/or tablet as your primary source of news?

If you’re in healthcare, insurance, technology or other professional services industries, and need help with a PR, marketing or social media campaign, contact Scott Public Relations.

Like what you’ve read? Follow Scott Public Relations on Facebook , Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and Google+. For convenient blog updates, sign up for the Einsight RSS feed!

(Note: Many internet browser platforms are discontinuing their internal RSS reader. If you are viewing this in Google Chrome the RSS feed will not work properly since they discontinued Google Reader. If you have an independent reader set up already you should be fine. If you do not, may we suggest you look to Digg Reader, AOL Reader, or our personal favorite – Feedly to handle your RSS feeds. Happy reading.)