Online News Squared

It may come as no surprise that 95 percent of execs read business news online, and nearly all said "that the Web helps them stay better informed about issues related to their businesses," according to the study. The number who said the Internet is their most important news source has almost doubled since 2000--now up to 25 percent. In addition, the percentage of study participants who use the Internet often to read news or content for business went up 21 percent, from 56 percent in 2000 to 68 percent this year.

While newspapers remain the primary news source for senior executives, Mike Henry of Dow Jones argues that the role of print news has changed -- now, he believes, it is often read for news analysis rather than breaking news, for which more business leaders rely on the Internet. The execs surveyed are spending 12 percent more time reading news online than in 2000, and less time with every other medium. According to the study, 92 percent of participants read general business news sites, and 81 percent visit financial sites.