There are no major surprises in the Reynolds study. It’s all about confirmations to our assumptions of how people react to news, sponsor media companies and whether they believe what they read. I urge everyone to read the Reynolds study, but here are some highlights:
As part of the Trusting News project, 28 partner newsrooms asked their audiences to tell them about their views on the credibility of news. They published a questionnaire asking their readers, listeners and viewers about their demographics and political leanings, and how many news organizations they support financially.
–I am surprised to read that more than two-thirds of respondents indicate they provide financial support to at least one news organization.
– If you lean toward liberal politics, you are more likely to both trust and pay for the news than conservative respondents.
–Whites are more likely to both trust and pay for the news than nonwhite respondents.
–Older folks are more likely to pay for the news, across politics and race. Talk about loyalty, especially with babyboomers!
–The Economist is the most trusted. No surprise here for me. I trust this magazine that calls itself a newspaper, too. Its robust reporting is essential to anyone wishing to be well informed. Its headlines are a favorite!
-Also in the top ten most trusted: