What is the issue most often cited by news media as the greatest problem facing journalism today?

Answer 1

Journalists increasingly agree with public criticism of their profession and the quality of their work. Overwhelmingly, news media professionals say the lines have blurred between commentary and reporting and between entertainment and news. A growing number of reporters, editors and news executives also say that news reports are full of factual errors and sloppy reporting.

Across all mediums - print, television, radio and the internet - the news media share public misgivings about their watchdog role. More of the news media today than just a few years ago say the press drives controversies rather than just reports the news in the way it covers the personal and ethical behavior of public figures. Clear majorities in the national and local press, for example, agree with the public that the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal was overcovered.

The impact of these shortcomings is not lost on the press. Lack of credibility is the single issue most often cited by the news media as the most important problem facing journalism today. Alarm about faltering credibility is far more prevalent in the current survey than in a comparable 1989 Center survey. Moreover, the press itself says that the loss of public trust is a leading cause of declining news audiences.

To reporters and editors, the reasons for journalism's problems are just as clear - growing financial and business pressures. At both the local and national levels, majorities of working journalists say that increased bottom-line pressure is hurting the quality of coverage. This view is more common than it was just four years ago, although it is less often shared by media executives.

For all these changes and troubles, the news media continue to value traditional, high standards for accuracy, sourcing and objectivity. Across mediums, markets and generations, there is near unanimous agreement on the core principles that define journalism - getting the facts right, covering both sides and refusing to publish rumors. Moreover, most members of the press agree that journalism is distinguished because of its contributions to society, providing people with information they need.

These are the principal findings of a new Pew Research Center survey of 552 top executives, mid-level editors and producers, and working reporters and editors from both the national and local news media. The poll was conducted in association with the Committee of Concerned Journalists from November 20, 1998 to February 11, 1999. In addition to print, radio, and broadcast and Cable Television, a sample of those working in Internet news was also included. Unless otherwise noted, references to public opinion are from a February 18-21, 1999 poll, which can be found immediately following the results of the press survey.

Answer 2

The greatest problem facing journalism today, as often cited by news media, is the spread of misinformation and fake news. This challenge has been exacerbated by the rise of social media and the decline in traditional news sources, leading to concerns about the credibility and reliability of information available to the public.