Media Attitudes

Many U.S. news organizations are covering the coronavirus pandemic while themselves facing financial pressure from the outbreak.

Nearly three out of four U.S. adults say that, in general, it’s important for journalists to function as watchdogs over elected officials.

66% of Americans feel worn out by the amount of news there is these days – a feeling that has persisted for several years now.

Our director of journalism studies explains how we determined what media outlets Americans turn to and trust for their political news.

An exploration of more than 50 Pew Research Center surveys confirms the overwhelming impact party identification has on Americans’ trust in the news media. And divides emerge within party – particularly the Republican Party – based on how strongly people approve of Trump.

Republicans and Democrats are particularly divided on how closely they connect made-up news to the news media or to President Trump.

France stands out from other Western European countries for its broad discontent toward the news media. About a third of adults say they trust the news media, including just 4% who say they have a lot of trust

A majority of Americans believe the news media do not understand people like them, and this feeling is especially common among Republicans.

In seven Western European countries surveyed, the top main source for news is a public news organization – such as the BBC in the UK, Sveriges Television/Radio (SVT/Radio) in Sweden or ARD in Germany – rather than a private one.

A global median of 75% want their news media to be unbiased when covering political issues, yet many say the news media do a poor job of reporting on political issues fairly.