Pew Research: New Pew Survey Finds Media's Watchdog Role Remains Valued by Most Americans
A recent Pew Research Center survey reveals that Americans continue to strongly support the media's role in holding politicians accountable, though views differ significantly along party lines. According to the September 2024 survey, 74% of Americans believe media criticism helps prevent political leaders from engaging in misconduct.
This watchdog function of the press maintains particularly strong support among Democrats, with 81% viewing media scrutiny as beneficial for political accountability. While slightly lower, Republican support remains substantial at 67%. However, the survey highlights an interesting pattern: partisan attitudes tend to shift dramatically following presidential elections, particularly when party control of the White House changes.
Historical data shows this partisan fluctuation clearly. Following Donald Trump's 2016 election, Republican support for media criticism dropped sharply from 77% pre-election to 42% by 2018. Similar shifts occurred during George W. Bush's administration, suggesting party affiliation significantly influences views on media oversight when their party holds executive power.
The survey also explored perceptions of media fairness, revealing widespread skepticism. An overwhelming 77% of Americans believe news organizations show bias when covering political and social issues, with only 22% viewing coverage as balanced. This skepticism reaches across party lines but is particularly pronounced among Republicans, with 88% perceiving media bias compared to 67% of Democrats.
These findings, part of Pew's four-decade tracking of media perceptions, suggest that while Americans broadly support the press's oversight role, they remain deeply concerned about media objectivity. The current level of perceived bias is approaching historic highs since tracking began in 1985, highlighting growing challenges for news organizations in maintaining public trust while fulfilling their watchdog function.
The research underscores the complex relationship between media, politics, and public perception in American democracy, where support for press oversight coexists with deep skepticism about media impartiality.