2007-04-24-皮尤-Widespread_Interest_in_Virginia_Tech_Shootings_11页_57kb

Virginia Tech Shootings Report Summary (April 25, 2007)

Key Points:

1. Public Interest:

   • The Virginia Tech shootings were the most covered and followed news story in April 2007.
   • Interest was high but lower than the 68% recorded during the Columbine High School shootings eight years prior.
   • Approximately 45% paid very close attention to the story, with 56% naming it as the single story they followed most closely that week.

2. Media Coverage:

   • Cable news, especially NBC, dominated coverage, with 51% of all news coverage in the week devoted to the shootings.
   • Cable news led with 76% of its coverage focused on Virginia Tech.

3. Other News Interest:

   • Interest in the Iraq situation stood at 28%, while interest in U.S. attorneys and Supreme Court abortion rulings were at 4% each.
   • Campaign news interest remained at 18% for 2008 candidates.

4. Public Perception:

   • Sixty-nine percent of the public viewed the press coverage as very good or good. However, 50% believed it was over-covered.
   • Republicans were more likely to disapprove of NBC’s decision to broadcast the shooter’s materials, compared to Democrats (53% vs 58% approval).

5. Media Consumption:

   • The internet was the preferred source for 11% of the public, while newspaper readers preferred newspapers (9%) in some cases.

6. Demographics:

   • Women and Blacks reported higher levels of interest compared to men and whites.
   • Differences were noted by region, with the west showing lower attention.

7. Background:

   • The findings are part of the bi-annual News Interest Index survey, which tracks media consumption and public attitudes.
   • The report was published in connection with the Project for Excellence in Journalism.

Conclusion:

The report highlights the public’s high engagement with the Virginia Tech shootings, which surpassed other national stories but fell short of the attention garnered during the Columbine tragedy. Differences based on party affiliation, gender, race, and region influenced public reaction, underscoring the ability of major crises to capture national attention.