2004-03-12-皮尤-Journalist_Survey_66页_207kb

Analysis Summary

This report, published on May 23, 2004, highlights key findings from a survey of journalists regarding the state of American journalism, press coverage of the Bush administration, economic pressures, credibility, and ideological influences.

Main Findings

1. Negative View of Journalism: 66% of national journalists and 57% of local journalists believe increased bottom-line pressures "seriously hurt" news coverage. This is a significant increase from 49% and 46% in 1999 respectively (p.1).

2. Specific Quality Concerns: Journalists cite the following as valid criticisms:

   • Too little attention to complex issues (78% nationally, 77% locally)
   • Blurring of reporting and commentary (47% nationally, 42% locally)
   • News reports increasingly full of factual errors and sloppy reporting (45% nationally, 47% locally)
   • Lack of restraint/not selective in coverage (47% nationally, 42% locally)

3. Press Coverage of Bush: Journalists are wary of the press's relationship with the Bush administration, with many expressing concern about insufficient criticism but also noting increases in certain issues like "out of touch" comments.

4. Media Evaluation: Ratings vary by medium:

   • National media is most trusted (92% nationally, 80% locally rate it A or B)
   • Local TV news appears least credible (only 21% nationally, 32% locally rate it A or B)

Detailed Observations

1. Economic Pressures: "Bottom-line pressures" have become the defining concern. Nearly half of local journalists (47%) cite it as the biggest problem, up from 25% in 2000. (p.i)

2. Quality Degradation:

   • 45% of national journalists believe reporting is increasingly sloppy
   • Three-quarters of journalists who experienced staff cuts believe economic pressures "seriously hurt" quality
   • 66% of national journalists see bottom-line issues as a bigger problem than in 1995

3. Credibility Woes:

   • Confidence in public electoral judgment fell among journalists: 31% have "great deal of confidence" (down from 52% five years ago)
   • Local journalists are more optimistic about news organization online presence than national journalists

4. Media Consolidation: Significant disagreements exist, particularly regarding:

   • Fox News viewed as "especially conservative" coverage by 69% nationally
   • The New York Times seen as "especially liberal" by only 20% nationally

Recommendations

• Investigate causes behind shrinking newsroom staff and how it impacts coverage
• Address conflicts between business executives and journalists
• Evaluate role of the Internet in maintaining journalistic integrity
• Develop strategies to revitalize trust in journalism