2008-11-11-皮尤-Few_Will_Miss_Following_Campaign_News_15页_70kb

Key Findings

• Surge in Afghanistan Interest: President Obama's speech on sending troops to Afghanistan significantly increased news interest, with 43% following it very closely, the highest in the year. Media coverage peaked at 27% of newshole last week, but public discussion remained below health care levels.

• Tiger Woods Scandal: High public interest (43% very closely) and conversation (30% discussed with friends), but 69% criticized the coverage as excessive compared to other stories. Similar interest existed in the "Salahis" story (4%), but it saw less public discussion.

• Health Care Debate: Continues as a top topic, with 42% followed very closely, accounting for 5% of media coverage. Democrats are more optimistic about passing legislation than Republicans, who remain skeptical.

• Economic News: Most Americans hear a mix of good and bad news (59% very closely), with no significant shift in recent months. Higher awareness among higher-income households.

• Climate Change: Low public awareness of climate discussions, with 19% aware of the Copenhagen meeting and no partisan differences.

• Public Opinions: President Obama's favorability is unchanged (57%), but opinions became less favorable more often among Republicans and unchanged more often among Democrats. A majority expects health care legislation to pass, though partisan views are starkly divided.

• Overall Media Coverage: Media focus shifted to Afghanistan and health care, with economics also prominent but less discussed publicly. Tiger Woods and the Salahis scandals received significant but less attentioned coverage.