New Gallup/Knight study says Americans are losing faith in an objective media

Posted

Although Americans have high aspirations for the news media, a new Gallup/Knight study shows that the gap is growing between what Americans expect from the news and what they think they are getting.

"The landmark poll of 20,000 people found that Americans’ hope for an objective media is all but lost," writes John Sands, director for learning and impact at the Knight Foundation.  "Instead, they see an increasing partisan slant in the news, and a media eager to push an agenda. As a result, the media’s ability to hold leaders accountable is diminished in the public’s eye."

Sands said the study also explores the connections between political affiliation and attitudes toward the media, as well the public’s view on diversity in newsrooms and the connection between local news consumption, civic engagement and community attachment.

The Knight Foundation's biennial report, "American Views 2020: Trust, Media and Democracy," cites 10 findings that stood out.

Read the full report

Knight Foundation, research, credibility