Political Journalism and Democracy: How Journalists Reflect Political Viewpoint Diversity in Their Reporting

Abstract

ABSTRACT Journalists express support for providing a diversity of viewpoints in their reporting, but how is this reflected in their content? This study compared survey results of U.S. political journalists’ statements with a content analysis of their reporting. There was limited support for journalists reflecting a diversity of viewpoints in their reporting, but only for those who support civic or direct models of democracy. Most journalists, however, relied heavily on elite sources. Those journalists who reported in surveys that they preferred independent sources, however, did include a greater diversity of viewpoints in their reporting. Results related to journalist trust in institutions are also discussed.