Scope and method of study. Scope of the study is the adoption and use of nonlinear editing systems by local television news departments at network affiliated television stations in the United States. Method of the study is quantitative and qualitative data analysis. Data were collected using an online survey.

Findings and conclusions. This study applied diffusion of innovations theory to examine the adoption process of nonlinear editing systems by local television news departments. Data analysis showed the adoption rate between 1997 and 2007 followed the classic S-curve of diffusion theory. Tests of means between early and late adopters showed significant differences between early and late adopters for the variables Type of Decision Making Process Employed and Communication Channels Used. Early adopters indicated the decision to adopt nonlinear editing was made by an individual. Late adopters indicated they learned about nonlinear editing through face-to-face meetings and office meetings.