News Content Analysis

The news Americans see on network television has softened considerably since 2001l, to the point that it looks more like it did before the terrorist attacks than immediately after.

Over time the press is inching back toward pre-September 11th norms of behavior.

by Andrew Kohut for Columbia Journalism Review

The war on terrorism has caused a colossal shift in the news people see on network television.

Local newsrooms beset by sponsor interference, budget cuts, layoffs, and added programming.

A review of the early press coverage of George W. Bush's administration reveals some unexpected and troubling features of contemporary political journalism: even the most serious newspapers in the country have pulled back dramatically on covering the presidency.

Did George W. Bush really get an easier ride from the media in his first months in office?

Coming from press critics, the following may strike some as out of character: We believe journalism should be praised for its work in the wild epilogue of election 2000. One reason the American people seemed calm but fascinated during the spectacle--even as they witnessed sometimes disgraceful ta ...

In the closing weeks of the presidential race, coverage was strikingly negative, and Vice President Al Gore got the worst of it. In contrast, George W. Bush was twice as likely as Gore to get coverage that was positive in tone, more issue-oriented and more likely to be directly connected to citizens.

Quality sells, but commitment — and viewership — continue to erode.