The public’s assessment of the accuracy of news stories is now at its lowest level in more than two decades of Pew Research surveys, and Americans’ views of media bias and independence now match previous lows.
Just 29% of Americans say that news organizations generally get the facts straight, while 63% say that news stories are often inaccurate. In the initial survey in this series about the news media’s performance in 1985, 55% said news stories were accurate while 34% said they were inaccurate. That percentage had fallen sharply by the late 1990s and has remained low over the last decade.
Similarly, only about a quarter [26%] now say that news organizations are careful that their reporting is not politically biased, compared with 60% who say news organizations are politically biased. And the percentages saying that news organizations are independent of powerful people and organizations [20%] or are willing to admit their mistakes [21%] now also match all-time lows. —Pew Research Center, Public Evaluations of the News Media: 1985-2009
This recent report by the Pew Research Center had some tough words for all of us in the media. I know that many in the media are perceived by the public to ride on a “high horse” or sit arrogantly in our ivory towers, writing away as if we have all the answers. But most publishers, editors, reporters and columnists are just hard-working people who have a tough job of gathering facts and information and communicating them to others—often under difficult deadlines.
We are supposed to report the news in a fair and balanced fashion and let you, the reader, draw your own conclusion. Some do it better than others and know how to keep their opinions on the “Opinion” page. Columnists or editorial writers, on the other hand, share opinions based on what they know [or think they know]. But I must admit that information can be limited and the conclusions drawn sometimes inaccurate. I’ve been guilty of those shortcomings myself.
I have seen firsthand in the recent past, having served as transition chairman for Gov. Bobby Jindal, how inaccurate and off-base reporters and columnists can be. It appears they have bits and pieces, and due to their deadlines they must fill in the blanks—and they’re just flat wrong. They aren’t even close to the truth and in fact lead the reader in the wrong direction because they didn’t want to admit they didn’t have the facts yet. [This happened most often with the speculation on the naming of the next cabinet secretary. Names would be reported as almost a certainty when the person wasn’t even being considered.] Sometimes these cynical writers are thinking they’ve dealt with these politicians before and they know what they’re up to. Who needs to get bogged down with the details? So they opine. The problem is putting something in print gives the impression you know all the facts.
Sometimes the details make all the difference and can explain everything—if only a reporter or columnist had taken the time to include them for the reader. Is that why 63% of readers [almost two of three] say “news stories are often inaccurate?” Perhaps it is because reporters and columnists often “finish” the story from their own point-of-view and political history—and readers detect it—that 60% say news organizations are politically biased.
It may be fair to take more editorial license with editorials and opinion columns, but the facts still have to be correct. And when a governor, let’s say Gov. Kathleen Blanco, is taking an action, there may be more to it than meets the eye. Some things that can be revealed and maybe some that cannot. And that’s where some jump to conclusion.
I have to admit I was guilty of making that jump on occasion with Blanco and with Gov. Mike Foster. For that I apologize to them. I was wrong. [I want us to be among the 20% of news organizations “willing to admit their mistakes.”] What I see now is there are often things going on behind the scenes that are key to understanding the whole story and the motives.
This Pew Research study was a national effort and it applies here and elsewhere. We can certainly see the difference in coverage on the national stage by comparing CNN to FOX News or the New York Times to the Wall Street Journal or Rush Limbaugh to NPR. There is a difference, and the audience is certainly aware—and should be. The Pew study showed that Democrats favored CNN, the New York Times and NPR, while Republicans favored FOX News and the Wall Street Journal.
So as you read, watch and listen to news or opinions, always seek what the late Paul Harvey sought … “the rest of the story.”
So much for teamwork
The subhead on The Advocate story last week said, “Central-area voters oppose Holden’s plan.” Please … tell us something we didn’t know. I bet a similar meeting could be held in Zachary and the headline there would be a repeat. This is exactly the reason Mayor Kip Holden initially created the “special district” for the bond issue election. He knew, when it comes to new taxes—and especially one that spends money on a “downtown” [that they seldom use]—he had little chance of getting their support. He was right. And by changing the boundaries and letting everyone in the parish vote, he may have hurt his chance for success.
As I’ve written here before, the folks in Central, Zachary and Baker were all for being “one team” when we had to approve establishing their own school district. I was always in their corner, strongly endorsing their efforts each time. Without north, south and southeast Baton Rouge voting in favor of the proposal, none of these cities would currently have a school system. But now that they are being called on to support something outside of their own little worlds, they seem obstinate. It’s as if they have all they want now, so the rest of us can take a hike. What a shame.
President strikes out with LSU
Last week, LSU’s national champion baseball team traveled to Washington, D.C., for a tour of the nation’s capital, the war memorials, lunch with Sen. Mary Landrieu and a visit to the White House. It was an exciting time and a well-deserved trip for our champions, who made every Louisianan proud. It is a tradition for the national champion college teams to visit the White House and meet the president. Unfortunately, President Obama did not meet the team, despite being there in meetings at the White House. That was a shame. Vice President Joe Biden greeted returning troops in Delaware Wednesday, but made it a point to be back to the White House to greet the team. Tiger fans appreciate that he had the spirit and hospitality the President lacked.
This week
If you are a CEO, manager or entrepreneur wondering what the newest innovations in products and services are that can help your business grow in 2010 and beyond, you need to hurry on down to the Baton Rouge River Center on Wed., Oct. 7, or Thurs., Oct. 8, to the 27th annual BizTech Expo. The show is open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. You’ll find more than 200 companies all under one roof for the largest business show in the Gulf South—right here in Baton Rouge. Don’t miss it! [Because your competitors will be there.]
