2007-05-31-皮尤-Political_Divide_in_Views_of_Campaign_Coverage_4页_33kb

Summary of 2008 Presidential Campaign Coverage Survey

Key Findings

• Public Perception of Coverage Fairness: Approximately half of the public (48%) views media coverage of Democratic and Republican presidential candidates as fair. However, partisan views differ:

  • Republicans (45%) perceive coverage of Democrats as too lenient.
  • Democrats (24%) see coverage of Republicans as too easy.
  • Independents fall in the middle on overall fairness.

• Desired Coverage Areas: The public largely preferences more coverage of:

  • Candidates' issue positions (76%).
  • Candidate debates (57%).
  • Candidates' personal backgrounds and experiences (54%).
  • Candidates who are not frontrunners (54%).

• Coverage Areas with Less Interest: Fewer people want increased coverage of:

  • Poll standings (50% prefer less than more).
  • Fundraising efforts (57% want less coverage).

• Partisan Agreement: Large majorities across party lines support more coverage of issues and debates:

  • 78% of independents, 76% of Democrats, and 73% of Republicans agree.

• Partisan Differences: Democrats show higher interest in polling information (54% prefer more coverage) and fundraising (45% want more), while Republicans are less inclined.

Methodology

Based on the Pew Research Center's News Interest Index survey, conducted in May 2007 with approximately 1,000 adults nationwide. The survey gauges public opinion on media coverage and campaign news appetite. Findings reflect data from telephone interviews and are subject to sampling margins of error.