Once again, a Public Policy Polling poll found that Fox News is both the most trusted and least trusted television news outlet. That’s because Republicans en masse choose it as “most trusted” and Democrats split their “most trusted” vote among the other networks. However, it’s also the news network that wins the distinction of being the clear choice for “least trusted” among Americans.
Interestingly, the PPP results suggest that MSNBC is not, as many like to claim, the Democratic alternative to Fox. In any event, Democrats are not as loyal to it as Republicans are to Fox.
35% of Americans say they trust Fox News more than any other TV news outlet, followed by 14% for PBS, 11% for ABC, 10% for CNN, 9% for CBS, 6% each for Comedy Central and MSNBC, and 3% for NBC. It leads the way because of its continuing near total support among Republicans as the place to go for news- 69% of Republicans say it’s their most trusted source with nothing else polling above 7%. Meanwhile Democrats are split between a lot of different outlets when it comes to who they have the most faith in- PBS at 21%, CNN and ABC at 18%, and CBS and MSNBC at 12% all poll in double digits. It’s interesting that while Fox News and MSNBC are often thought of as equivalent, Fox News is by far and away the most trusted source of GOP voters while MSNBC is only tied for 4th among Democrats.
Fox News also leads the ‘least trusted’ list in our annual poll. 33% give it that designation to 19% for MSNBC, 14% for Comedy Central, 11% for CNN, 5% for ABC, 4% for CBS, and 2% each for NBC and PBS. That’s largely because 57% of Democrats give it their least trusted designation, with only Comedy Central at 18% also hitting double digits with them. MSNBC leads the way among Republicans at 38%, but CNN at 17% and Comedy Central at 13% both hit double digits as well. It’s interesting to note that Republicans seem to hate MSNBC more than Democrats like it.
By the way, when asked about each of the news outlets individually, the only one to be trusted by a majority of Americans was PBS.
Exactly. This is what the FOX “news” talking heads, GOPers and conservatives I personally know won’t admit – for those who want to hear their teevee news with a heavy, pro-conservative POV, FOX “news” is their only choice. Those who want something other than a pro-conservative POV have lots of other media outlets to turn to and, thus, their viewing habits and approval gets spread out among several outlets. The FOX “news” network has no competitors – if they did (as in a news network run by tea partiers?), FOX’s ratings would drop as would their position in these polls.
I just saw a promo for BOR’s show this evening and it looks like he plans to do a little crowing about how well FOX “news” did in this poll. As per BOR’s promo: “FOX News once again the most trusted TV news operation. We’ll tell you why.” The promo’s chyron said “MOST TRUSTED!” in bold, cap letters. (insert eye roll here)
No doubt a good part of BOR’s reason for mentioning this poll is that he was also a part of it (and we all know how much BOR likes having his ego stroked). Let’s see just how honest BOR is about what this poll reveals. If he decides to do a “fair & balanced” and honest analysis, he must point out that FOX “news” are also the LEAST trusted news source (and why) as well as the very simple facts that FOX’s position in this poll is due to mostly GOP support and the fact that FOX “news” has no competition when it comes to news with a pro-conservative agenda.
He also must point out that a hypothetical Presidential race between him and Colbert would be a “toss up” (BOR: 38% Colbert: 35%; margin of error 3.4%). Yikes! It must be kinda embarrassing for BOR that he, a so-called serious analyst and “most powerful name in cable news” would be in a “toss up” with a comedian. LOL! I can’t wait to see Comedy Central’s take on all of this. :-]
