2010-09-28-皮尤-Elections_Dominate_Coverage,_Not_Public_Interest_15页_60kb

Public Interest vs. Media Coverage: The 2010 midterm congressional elections dominated media coverage, accounting for 25% of news coverage, while the public showed greater interest in the economy and health care reform. Specifically, 23% of adults followed economic news most closely, and 18% tracked portions of health care reform news very closely. Economic news received 13% in coverage, and congressional election news was followed closely by only 6% of the public.

Key Topics: The economy and health care reform were predominant in both public interest and news reporting. Among other topics, 13% of the public followed Afghanistan news closely, while it accounted for 3% of coverage. The "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" debate and drug violence in Mexico received less attention.

Awareness of Specific Events: The GOP "Pledge to America" and Tea Party victories in primaries had lower awareness. Only 13-33% of adults were aware and followed these closely, compared to higher interest in economic and health care issues. Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert's rallies garnered minimal attention (54% heard nothing).

Partisan and Age Differences: Republicans showed greater awareness of the possibility of a GOP majority and Tea Party victories, with 51% and 43% respectively for these topics. Older adults (65+) were more engaged in general news, while younger adults (18-29) showed less interest except in levied rallies.

Overall: The News Interest Index survey highlights a disconnect between media focus and public concerns, with economic and health care issues driving interest despite election dominance in coverage.