The Journalist-Consumer Disconnect
A new study uncovers massive differences between what journalists think vs. what readers and viewers think about today's news industry. Your parents Watergate era is dead.
If you are American and feel like most “journalists” do not understand you or your way of life - there’s evidence for this being the case.
The Pew Research Center conducted a new in-depth survey with 12,000 U.S. journalists. They also polled average news consumers.
The numbers show a massive disconnect between journalists and the public they serve.
Let’s look at some of the questions asked on the survey and the results.
When asked…
Does the media do a good job “covering the most important stories of the day” and report the news accurately?
65% of journalists said YES
35% of the general public said YES
(Reflects a 30-point perception gap)
Are journalists doing a good job performing as “watchdogs over elected leaders”?
52% of journalists said YES
Less than 30% of the general public said YES
Do journalists manage and correct misinformation consistently?
43% of journalists said YES (notice its less than half)
Only 25% of the general public said YES
Do you feel connected to your readers and viewers?
46% of journalists said YES (not quite half)
Do you feel connected to the media outlets that provide you with the news?
Only 25% of the general public said YES (20% gap)
So, the big question is - what is causing these results?
The Hill Opinion Writer Joe Concha points out the geographical location phenomena of the industry: most national media news reporters live in New York City or Washington D.C. Los Angeles is a close third.
Because most of the nation’s local news outlets have reduced their staff to cut costs for survival, Americans get most of their news from people who live in progressive silos like the Big Apple.
“Since 2004, approximately 1,800 newspapers have shut down because of the collapse of print advertising and readers turning to more convenient online consumption.” — writes Joe Concha
Hubba Hubba Hubba - Who Do You Trust?
Not the mainstream media, according to the Pew study.
Do you have at least a fair amount of trust in the information you receive?
Only 29% of U.S. adults said YES
“In 1976, in the post-Watergate era, trust in the media stood at 72% - 43 points higher.
And now for the most telling (and fascinating) survey result of them all:
When asked to characterize the journalism industry in one word, 74% of journalists chose a negative connotative word, like “chaos” or “struggling.”
However, these candid answers don’t reflect massive regrets in their career choice: 77% of the journalists surveyed would choose to be journalists all over again.
Another factor The Hill doesn’t include in their opinion piece is the consolidation of ownership across news and entertainment or “infotainment” in some cases.
The news industry is highly centralized today, but most consumers don’t notice because so many different brands deliver the news. There is an illusion of many choices.
But when you look at the layout of news media from 30,000 feet, you see how six CEOs ultimately control 90% of the news industry.
Why Alternative Media is Vitally Important in a Free Society
If you only support the “big box” news outlets - you destroy freedom of speech and freedom of the press.
Convenience should not be our primary motive regarding our news choices.
We must seek a broader menu of news outlets and avoid falling into a lazy routine of easily retrievable information spoon-fed with a smile.
Especially when you know the pablum makers aren’t being honest with you.
News Detectives dig deeper.