The recent I&I/TIPP Poll reveals significant issues for major media outlets, particularly regarding their perceived bias towards Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in the presidential election. The poll surveyed 1,436 adults and showed a concerning decline in trust toward traditional and alternative media sources. Only 29% of respondents expressed either "a lot" or "quite a bit" of trust in traditional media, while 64% reported "little" or "no trust. " Trust levels varied by political affiliation, with Democrats showing slightly more trust compared to Republicans and independents.
The poll also introduced questions about media influence in the campaigns, showing that 53% of respondents believed the media favored Harris over Donald Trump, while 45% thought this coverage negatively impacted her candidacy. A significant majority of Republicans felt that media bias worked against their candidate.
The poll results highlight a broader crisis in the media, with major networks like MSNBC and CNN facing declining viewership and financial challenges. Specific examples include MSNBC losing half its viewers after Trump’s election and CNN anticipating layoffs due to poor ratings. The media's inability to maintain a trustful audience is exacerbated by perceived political bias, illustrated by a Media Research Center report showing overwhelmingly positive coverage of Harris versus overwhelmingly negative coverage of Trump.
Additionally, major media organizations are undergoing significant changes as they struggle to adapt. The Washington Post expects large financial losses and has started making staff cuts, while MSNBC is reportedly reducing pay for its top talent. The dissatisfaction with mainstream media underscores the shift in public engagement, as audiences increasingly turn to social media and alternative news sources for information.
As various analyses indicate, the media's credibility continues to deteriorate, leading to a concerning outlook for traditional journalism in its current form. As reflected in the polls, there is a fear that many legacy media outlets may be too late in addressing their issues.
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