I used to be in media, most radio, but I also did some reporting for a small town newspaper in North Carolina, so I’m connected to journalism and reporting. It all started in college as a four-year radio announcer at my college radio station, which lead to a career in radio as a news/sports reporter and play-by-play announcer, and then a communications/public information professional.
Given my background — and the current lack of trust in the news media — I found today’s news of a study about lack of trust in journalism from the Associated Press particularly interesting.
This new study by the Media Insight Project, a joint effort by the American Press Institute and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, offers a revealing look at the disconnect between what Americans want in their news and what journalists view as their core mission.
Only one of the five core journalism values tested has support of a majority of Americans: the idea that more facts get us closer to the truth (67% of adults support this).
One journalism principle — factualism — generally wins more public support than the others tested. The idea that the more facts we have in society the more likely we are to solve problems was fully embraced by 67% of Americans. In contrast, social criticism, the idea that shining a spotlight on problems is the best way for society to solve them is the least endorsed (29% of Americans support it).
The study also shows that Americans want journalists to go beyond their watchdog role.
“This study provides a fresh perspective for journalists to help us understand what’s driving the gap in trust,” said Emily Swanson, AP’s director of public opinion research. “Just as significantly, it helps us take a step toward solving that problem by making sure we speak to the range of values that Americans find most important.”
And this “fresh perspective” involves more good news — news consumers want journalism that highlights good news and what’s working in society — not just what isn’t.
Personally, I think these two survey respondents sum it up — news organizations should report the news, what’s actually happening with facts, and not opinion.
“I do believe they should be a watchdog on the government, but I don’t think they should lean either way,” said Annabell Hawkins, 41, a stay-at-home mother from Lawton, Oklahoma. “When I grew up watching the news it seemed pretty neutral. But now it doesn’t seem like that.”
“I just want the facts about what happened so I can make up my own mind,” said Patrick Gideons, a 64-year-old former petroleum industry supervisor who lives south of Houston. He lacks faith in the news media because he believes it offers too much opinion.
Check out the full report here.
A new survey finds that most Americans do not share key journalism values of transparency, holding the powerful to account, giving voice to the voiceless, and spotlighting problems. Click To TweetThis Blog Post is Brought to You by the Get Upside App
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