Our expanded focus on trust, facts and the state of democracy
Pew Research Center is redoubling its focus on the role of information and trust in democratic societies.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
Read our research on:
Media Attitudes
All
Media Attitudes
Publications
-
-
Publics Globally Want Unbiased News Coverage, but Are Divided on Whether Their News Media Deliver
A global median of 75% want their news media to be unbiased when covering political issues, yet many say the news media do a poor job of reporting on political issues fairly.
-
Most Americans get their science news from general outlets, but many doubt their accuracy
Where do Americans go to stay informed about science topics? Here are some key takeaways about Americans’ science news habits today.
-
Science News and Information Today
Overall, 36% of Americans get science news at least a few times a week and three-in-ten actively seek it. Most get science news from general news outlets, but more see specialty sources as being accurate.
-
Americans’ Attitudes About the News Media Deeply Divided Along Partisan Lines
Roughly nine-in-ten Democrats say news media criticism keeps leaders in line (sometimes called the news media’s “watchdog role”), while only about four-in-ten Republicans say the same.
-
Most officers say the media treat police unfairly
Among the challenges U.S. police officers perceive on the job is a widespread feeling that police are mistreated by the media.
-
Trump, Clinton Voters Divided in Their Main Source for Election News
Trump voters named one source more than any other as their main source of election news, whereas Clinton voters were spread across an array of sources.
-
Most Americans trust the military and scientists to act in the public’s interest
Three-quarters or more of Americans are confident in the military, medical scientists and scientists in general to act in the best interests of the public. But fewer than half report similar confidence in the news media, business leaders and elected officials.
-
The Modern News Consumer
Digital innovation has had a major impact on the public’s news habits. How have these changes shaped Americans’ appetite for and attitudes toward the news?
-
Key findings on the traits and habits of the modern news consumer
News remains an important part of public life. But Americans are cautious as they move into today’s more complex news environment and discerning in their evaluation of available news sources.
