Every other year Gallup and the Knight Foundation survey public opinion on the media; they titled this year's report of 20,000 Americans “American Views 2020: Trust, Media and Democracy.” The respondents were not overly pleased with the media, as you can see from the following summary.
1.73% of Americans say there is too much bias in the reporting of news that is supposed to be objective; in 2017 the percentage was 65%. They see bias in all media - their favorites and non-favorites; 56% see it in their own news sources.
2. More than 8 in 10 suspect an inaccuracy in a story; possibly it was intentional, either the reporter was misrepresenting the facts (54%) or making them up (28%). Only 16% said they thought the inaccuracies were innocent mistakes. And when it comes to news sources they distrust, nearly 8 in 10 Americans (or 79%) say those outlets are trying to persuade people to adopt a certain opinion.
3. 71% of Republicans don't like the news media. Democrats are more favorable, as about a quarter of Democrats (22%) are negative. Independents are in the middle, (52%).
4. Political division is rife here today. Forty-eight percent (48%) of Americans say the media bears “a great deal” of blame for political division in this country, and thirty-six percent (36%) say they bear “a moderate amount.”
5. Americans are worried about information overload. There is too much news and it comes too fast. And, of course the internet makes things worse.
6. Despite the findings, Americans think the media is vital for democracy. The vast majority of Americans (84%) say that the news media is “critical” (49%) or “very important” (35%) to provide accurate information and hold the powerful accountable.
1 comment:
When will the media be held accountable for willful manipulation?
Walter Cronkite is rolling over in his grave.
Post a Comment