Many Fault Media Coverage of Health Care Debate
As the fight in Washington over health care reform continues to dominate public attention and media coverage, most Americans are critical of the way news organizations are explaining key elements of the debate.
Health Care Tops Interest
The debate over health care reform has become the public’s top story. The Gate’s controversy draws more interest than other recent stories about race.
Health Reform Interests but Confuses Public
Nearly all Americans say health care reform is important, and most even consider the debate interesting rather than boring. But many are also confused by it, and want more news coverage. Also, Americans have grown more critical of the government’s handling of the economy.
Too Much Jackson? Not at the Water Cooler
While many Americans may say he has received too much coverage, Michael remained by far the most talked about news story. Also, on Palin, press bias lies in the eye of the partisan beholder.
King of Pop Remains on Top
Though Jackson was most watched, many still had time to hear plenty about Mark Sanford’s “love story.”
Wilted Green Shoots
The number of Americans hearing mostly negative economic news has been steadily rising since May, especially among independents.
Too Much Michael?
The public closely tracked the sudden death of pop superstar Michael Jackson last week, though nearly two-in-three Americans say news organizations gave the story too much coverage.
Iran’s Interesting… For a Foreign Story
The share of the public following the situation in Iran ranks near the top of recent international stories, excluding those directly involving the U.S., rivaling interest in the economy.
Job Situation is Bad News
While Americans say they are hearing more of a mix of good and bad news about prices, financial markets and real estate, news about jobs is seen as overwhelmingly bad.
Different Stories, Different Audiences
Four-in-ten of those who watch Fox News regularly say that coverage of Obama has not been critical enough.
