TVSpy
The results of a national poll conducted by Sacred Heart University have been released, on “Trust and Satisfaction with the National News Media.” A substantial majority of respondents attested to the political clout the national media wields. A whopping 89.3% believe the national media played a “very or somewhat strong role” in helping to elect President Obama. As for the media’s role now that Obama is in office, 69.9% agreed the national news media are intent on promoting the Obama presidency while 26.5% disagreed.
The University’s Polling Institute surveyed 800 Americans nationwide between Sept. 8-11, and covered news subjects from 2003 and 2007. The poll is the third of its kind, and reveals current American attitudes on the fairness, reliability, and influence of news media.
When asked which news source they trusted the most, the highest percentage of respondents (30%) chose Fox News. Interestingly, when asked which news organization was trusted the least, a different 26.2% also chose Fox News.
About a quarter of those surveyed (24.3%) said they believe all or most of what is reported, 54% believe some, and 20.4% believe little or none.
“It is sad,” suggested Jerry C. Lindsley, director of the Sacred Heart University Polling Institute, “when we find that only 55.9% say they expect the media to tell them the truth today.” He added, “This perception of bias will eventually catch up with the news media outlets – we found 45.9% have permanently stopped watching a news media organization, print or electronic, because of perceived bias.” (Full report here)