2003-04-08-皮尤-War_Coverage_Praised,_But_Public_Hungry_for_Other_News_11页_159kb

Summary of Pew Research Center War Tracking Survey (April 2003)

This report analyzes data from a Pew Research Center survey conducted in April 2003, focusing on American public opinion about Iraq War coverage, support for the war, and perceptions of media performance.

Key Findings:

• War Coverage Attention: The public paid close attention to the war, with many following news closely. Over half followed news about the war very closely or fairly closely.

• Coverage Perception: Most Americans (55%) felt the media gave the war the right amount of coverage. However, 39% believed coverage was excessive, particularly on topics like anti-war protests and commentary from ex-military officers. Significant minorities felt undercovered issues such as the tax cut debate (45%), U.S. economy (43%), budget deficit (42%), "SARS" (33%), and Democratic nomination (38%).

• War Support and Views: Strong public support for military action in Iraq remained steady at 72% right decision. Views on coverage were tied to war stance: war opponents (40%) were more likely than supporters (33%) to want more focus on non-war issues. Both groups preferred neutral coverage (69%), with a slight preference for pro-American coverage among some supporters.

• Emotional Impact: High-intensity war coverage affected public emotions, such as sadness or fear, which peaked initially but declined. Favorable ratings of the war's progress rose as reports of successes increased.

• Embedded Journalists: Most Americans viewed coverage from embedded reporters favorably, seeing it as fair and objective. War opponents were less satisfied, with some feeling it favored troops too much.

• Additional Context: President Bush's job approval for handling the war was 73%, similar to general job approval. About a quarter felt the war was decisively won, while 74% considered it ongoing.

The survey highlights a preference for balanced reporting while indicating that coverage was not aligning with public interest in domestic issues, suggesting media should address these gaps.