2007-10-24-皮尤-Public_Tunes_out_Ellen_DeGeneres_Controversy_12页_60kb

Summary

MRSA Infection Dominates News Interest

• Public Attention: Over one-quarter (28%) of Americans followed the MRSA story very closely, with more than a quarter of women (31%) naming it their top news story. Men were more focused on Iraq and the 2008 campaign.
• Worried: 52% of parents expressed strong or moderate worry about the infection, compared to 39% of non-parents. Among the general public, 44% felt at least somewhat concerned, higher than the 35% worried about SARS in 2003.
• Media Coverage: Only 3% of national newshole was dedicated to MRSA, making it the 9th most covered story, highlighting a lag between public interest and media attention. It received more prominent network TV coverage.

Other Top News Stories of the Week

• Iraq War: Despite limited media coverage, the public showed sustained interest, with 28% paying close attention and 21% focusing on policy debates. Iraq ranked second in interest but seventh in media coverage.
• U.S. Economy: Received 3% of media coverage (6th most covered), with 21% of the public following closely, driven by the housing slowdown.
• Pakistan Bombing: Generated significant media coverage (6% of newshole), attracting 21% who followed it very closely.
• 2008 Presidential Campaign: The campaign showed increased interest (23% followed closely), ranking third in public interest and fourth in media coverage (11% of newshole).
• Ellen DeGeneres Controversy: Low public interest (5% very closely), with high dissatisfaction (58% felt over-covered). Minimal media attention compared to public interest, though still reported extensively.

Methodology and Note

• The summary is based on the Pew Research Center's News Interest Index survey, which assesses public reaction to top news stories, in conjunction with media coverage data.