Despite a growing distrust of journalists and the decades-long dismantling of traditional news outlets, a near-record number of Americans believe the media acts as a check on politicians’ worst impulses.
A recent Pew Research survey found that almost three-fourths (74%) of respondents believe criticism from news organizations “keeps political leaders from doing things that shouldn’t be done.” This is up from a low of 54% in 2003, at the height of the U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
In contrast, almost a quarter (24%) currently believe the media “keeps political leaders from doing their jobs.”
The entrance of Donald Trump onto the electoral scene caused a drastic partisan shift in American views on the media’s watchdog role in politics.
In 2016, almost identical percentages of Democrats and Republicans (76% and 74%, respectively) believed the media kept politicians from doing things they shouldn’t have done. By 2018, the rate was 84% for Democrats and 42% for Republicans. That gap has closed slightly, with 81% of Democrats and 67% of Republicans holding the view.
More than three-fourths (77%) of Americans believe news organizations tend to favor one side of the political spectrum when reporting the news. This sentiment has remained relatively consistent throughout the 21st century. In 1985, only about half (53%) believed the media favored one political party over the other.
Since the survey began, Republicans have tended to believe news organizations are biased more than Democrats. Currently, 88% of Republicans and 67% of Democrats believe the media favors one side of the political conversation.
More results from the study, including a link to the survey’s methodology, can be found here.
Senior Editor at Good Faith Media.
