According to a recent Pew Research Poll, more and more Americans are skeptical of media accuracy. The poll, which sampled about 1,500 adults on land lines and cell phones, revealed that 29% of Americans believe the news media provides accurate reports, while 63% believe news stories are often inaccurate. Even more revealing, only 26% of those polled believed that news organizations were careful to remove political bias from their reporting, while 60% said that news organizations are politically biased.
Perceptions of California media accuracy and political bias are likely quite similar. As with the national media, most Californians would likely admit that California news reporting often limits or expands upon certain coverage based on the outlet's particular political bent. As a result, citizens will often limit themselves to the narrow perspective of a particular media outlet that already jives with their preconceived political leanings. It's consistent with human nature, of course, but as well-informed citizens, we need to constantly put our ideas, preconceived notions, and biases to the test.
This is where organizations like CAIVP come in. CAIVP represents a new type of media, one that incorporates nonpartisan reporting, critical thinking, and a diversity of political opinions. Voters are encouraged to think for themselves, instead of adopting the same old partisan talking points.
Americans are growing tired of politically charged, sensationalistic media reports. But, in order to resolve this dilemma, voters will have to turn their attention to more independent-minded news sources.
For a full analysis of the Pew Poll, read here.