Press Widely Criticized, But Trusted More than Other Sources of Information
Negative opinions about the performance of news organizations now equal or surpass all-time highs on nine of 12 core measures the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press has been tracking since 1985.
U.S. Seen as Among the Greatest Nations, But Not Superior to All Others
Despite the struggling economy and broad dissatisfaction with national conditions, the public has a positive view of the United States’ global standing. But more think that the U.S. is one of the greatest countries in the world than say it stands above all other countries.
Beyond Red vs. Blue: The Political Typology
Political attitudes have become more doctrinaire at both ends of the ideological spectrum. Yet at the same time, the growing center of the political spectrum is increasingly diverse. As an in-depth guide to the political landscape, the 2011 Political Typology sorts Americans into cohesive groups based on their values, political beliefs and party affiliation.
The Internet and Campaign 2010
More than half of U.S. adults used the internet for political purposes in the last cycle, far surpassing the 2006 midterm contest. They hold mixed views about the impact of the internet: It enables extremism, while helping the like-minded find each other. It provides diverse sources, but makes it harder to find truthful sources.
Closing the Local News ‘App Gap’
Local news is going mobile. Nearly half of all American adults (47%) report that they get at least some local news and information on their cellphone or tablet computer. But just 13% of all mobile device owners report having an app that helps them get local information or news.
Internet Gains on Television as Public’s Main News Source
Television remains the most widely used source for news, but it is less popular among all age groups. More people continue to cite the internet than newspapers as their main source of news, and for the first time, online news has surpassed TV news among young adults.
Americans Spending More Time Following the News
Americans are increasingly integrating new technologies into their news consumption habits. As a result, the average time spent with the news is as high as it was in the mid-1990s.
Where the News Comes From — And Why It Matters
Newspapers are still the largest originating, gathering source of real news; the crisis they face is not loss of audience but loss of revenue.
Press Accuracy Rating Hits Two-Decade Low
Just 29% of Americans now say that news organizations generally get the facts straight, while 63% say that news stories are often inaccurate.
Newspapers Face a Challenging Calculus
The growth in readership online has not offset the decline in print for newspapers.
