Note, the percentage refers to "followed very closely."
1. Japan disaster, 55 percent
2. Gas and oil prices, 53 percent
3. Osama bin Laden killed, 50 percent
4. Economy, 49 percent
5. Arizona shootings, 49 percent
6. Government shutdown fight, 47 percent
7. Debt deal, 46 percent
8. Midwest tornadoes, 45 percent
9. Southern storms, 45 percent
10. Hurricane Irene, 45 percent
Note: Just outside the top 10 was 9/11 Anniversary at No. 11 (42 percent). Meanwhile, the Wisconsin labor disputes landed at No. 17 (36 percent) and Penn State scandal at No. 20 (34 percent).
Here is Pew's overall statement:
The threat of nuclear disaster in Japan and the killing of Osama bin Laden by Navy SEALs were two of the breaking news stories that captured the greatest amount of public attention in 2011. But Americans also kept a steady watch on the economy at home. More than half said they followed news about rising fuel prices very closely in April, while the struggling economy remained a top story throughout the year.
