A recent poll conducted by the American Press Institute and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research has uncovered some unsettling trust issues among Americans regarding news outlets and their reporting during the upcoming 2024 election campaign. According to the poll, 53% of Americans are extremely or very concerned about news organizations reporting inaccuracies or misinformation, while 42% worry that news outlets will use generative artificial intelligence to create stories. Additionally, 47% express serious concern about news outlets reporting unconfirmed or unverified information, and 44% are worried about accurate information being presented in a biased manner.
The poll revealed that half of Americans frequently get their election news from national news outlets, with older respondents showing a higher percentage. However, despite the level of engagement, there is a lack of trust in the information being presented. Michael Bolden, CEO of the American Press Institute, highlighted the impact of years of suspicion towards journalists, partly fueled by politicians, as well as a lack of understanding about how journalism works. Only about half of respondents have a moderate amount of confidence in the information they receive from either national or local news outlets in relation to the 2024 elections.
Bolden emphasized the importance of news outlets stepping into a convenor role to bridge the growing disconnect between journalism and communities. He suggested that outlets should focus on educating the public about the work journalists do and how reporters are part of their community. The poll also indicated that older adults are more engaged in following news about presidential elections, while younger adults are more likely to get their election news from social media, friends, or family. This presents both a warning and an opportunity for traditional news outlets to make their work more available on social media.
The poll highlighted differences in how Democrats, Republicans, and independents consume election news. Six in 10 Democrats reported getting election news from national outlets frequently, compared to 48% of Republicans and 34% of independents. Republicans were more likely to express concerns about inaccurate information or misinformation in news coverage during the upcoming elections. Additionally, the poll revealed that most Americans want national and local news outlets to highlight candidates’ values and different positions on key social issues to make informed decisions about the 2024 state and local elections.
Overall, the poll conducted in March 2024 with 2,468 adults showed a high level of concern among Americans regarding the trustworthiness of news outlets during the upcoming election campaign. The findings underscore the need for news organizations to address these issues and rebuild trust with their audiences by providing accurate, unbiased, and informative coverage of the elections. The role of journalists in educating the public about their work and fostering connections with communities is crucial in restoring confidence in the media. As the 2024 election campaign continues, news outlets will need to focus on delivering reliable and relevant information to help voters make informed decisions.
