The Year in the News 2011
This year, the faltering U.S. economy was the No. 1 story in the American news media, but 2011 was also characterized by a jump of more than a third in coverage of international news.
The Media Primary
Rick Perry received the most favorable coverage of any candidate for president during the first five months of the race, but now Herman Cain is enjoying that distinction. Meanwhile Barack Obama has had the roughest treatment, according to a new survey which combines traditional research methods and computer algorithmic technology to code the level and tone of news coverage.
How People Learn About Their Local Community
Contrary to much of the conventional understanding of how people learn about their communities, Americans turn to a wide range of platforms to get local news and information, and where they turn varies considerably depending and the subject matter and their age.
Religion in the News: 2010
Though still small in volume, mainstream media coverage of religion in 2010 doubled over the preceding year. Events and controversies related to Islam — especially a proposed Islamic center in New York City — dominated coverage, bumping the Catholic Church from the top spot.
Media Analysis: How the Press Covered the Tragedy in Tucson
A discussion about the tenor of political discourse in America, including its role as a potential catalyst for violence, was the leading media storyline in the aftermath of the Arizona tragedy.
Press Coverage and Public Interest
The public tended to maintain its interest in major breaking news stories considerably longer than the press did. And the press tended to maintain substantially more interest in Washington Beltway controversies than did its audience.
The Year in News 2010
A review of three different research efforts by the Pew Research Center finds the economy was the No. 1 story of the year, the narrative evolving but with a continuing undercurrent of apprehension. Other big stories: the Haitian earthquake, the health care reform debate, the Gulf oil rig explosion, and mid-term elections.
