The Media Are Fools but Voters Not Fooled by the Media

Rasmussen releases a new poll today that should concern the media.

Just 17% of voters nationwide believe that most reporters try to offer unbiased coverage of election campaigns. A Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that four times as many—68%--believe most reporters try to help the candidate that they want to win. The perception that reporters are advocates rather than observers is held by 82% of Republicans, 56% of Democrats, and 69% of voters not affiliated with either major party. The skepticism about reporters cuts across income, racial, gender, and age barriers.

I doubt management will notice. Instead, we will continue to hear reports like the one out today - Tribune Co. Plans Sharp Cutbacks at Papers (h/t susie dow). The bottom line appears to be the people no longer believe the media are serving the interests of democracy but rather using their position to interfere with democracy.

Given these results, it’s not surprising that 76% of voters believe the media has too much power and influence over elections. Just 3% believe the Fourth Estate has too little influence while 16% say the balance is about right.

Why would anyone expect a consumer to continue consuming a product they don't trust? So go ahead with the lay offs, early retirement buyouts and consolidation but that won't do anything to address the problem that people just don't buy the crap you try to push as news.