PEW RESEARCH CENTER FOR THE PEOPLE & THE PRESS JULY 2003 MEDIA UPDATE FINAL TOPLINE June 19 - July 2, 2003 N=1201

Transcription

1 PEW RESEARCH CENTER FOR THE PEOPLE & THE PRESS JULY 2003 MEDIA UPDATE FINAL TOPLINE June 19 - July 2, 2003 N=1201 Q.1 Do you approve or disapprove of the way George W. Bush is handling his job as president? [IF DK ENTER AS DK. IF DEPENDS PROBE ONCE WITH: Overall do you approve or disapprove of the way George W. Bush is handling his job as president? [IF STILL DEPENDS ENTER AS DK] Approve Disapprove Don t know July, =100 June, =100 May, =100 April 10-16, =100 April 9, =100 April 2-7, =100 March 28-April 1, =100 March 25-27, =100 March 20-24, =100 March 13-16, =100 February, =100 January, =100 December, =100 Late October, =100 Early October, =100 Mid-September, =100 Early September, =100 Late August, =100 August, =100 Late July, =100 July, =100 June, =100 April, =100 Early April, =100 February, =100 January, =100 Mid-November, =100 Early October, =100 Late September, =100 Mid-September, =100 Early September, =100 August, =100 July, =100 June, =100 May, =100 April, =100 March, =100 February, =100 1

2 Q.2 Now I will read a list of some stories covered by news organizations this past month. As I read each item, tell me if you happened to follow this news story very closely, fairly closely, not too closely, or not at all closely. [INSERT ITEM; RANDOMIZE.] Very Fairly Not too Not at all Closely Closely Closely Closely DK/Ref a. The controversy over not finding weapons of mass destruction in Iraq so far =100 b. News about the current situation in Iraq =100 June, *=100 May, *=100 April 11-16, =100 April 2-7, =100 March 20-24, =100 March 13-16, =100 February, =100 January, =100 December, =100 Late October, =100 Early October, =100 Early September, =100 c. Continued violence in the Middle East between the Palestinians and the Israelis =100 December, =100 Early October, =100 June, =100 April, =100 Early April, =100 December, =100 Early September, =100 April, =100 Mid-October, =100 Early October, =100 January, =100 October, *=100 May, =100 d. The murder of Laci Peterson, the pregnant California woman whose husband has been charged in her death =100 May, =100 e. The publication of Hillary Clinton s book about her life =100 1 From March 20 to April 16, 2003 the story was listed as News about the war in Iraq. 2 From October 2002 to March 13-16, 2003 the story was listed as Debate over the possibility that the U.S. will take military action in Iraq. In Early September 2002 the story was listed as Debate over the possibility that the U.S. will invade Iraq. 3 In April 2001 the story was listed as Continued violence in the Middle East. In Mid-October 2000 the story was listed as "Continued violence in the Middle East between the Palestinians and the Israelis." In Early October 2000 the story was listed as "Renewed violence in the Middle East between the Palestinians and the Israelis." In January 1997 the story was listed as "Renewed tensions between Israelis and Palestinians over Hebron." In October 1996 the story was listed as Renewed violence between Israelis & Palestinians on the West Bank and in Jerusalem. In May 1988 the story was listed as "The conflict in the Middle East between the Palestinians and the Israelis in the occupied territories." 2

3 ASK FORM 1 ONLY: ASK Q.3 ITEMS ONLY IF CORRESPONDING ITEM IN Q.2 WAS FOLLOWED VERY OR FAIRLY CLOSELY Q.3F1 In general, how would you rate the job the press has done in covering [INSERT ITEM; RANDOMIZE], excellent, good, only fair, or poor? Only Excellent Good Fair Poor DK/Ref (N) a.f1 The controversy over not finding weapons of mass destruction in Iraq so far =100 (402) b.f1 News about the current situation in Iraq =100 (470) March 20-April 7, =100 c.f1 Continued violence in the Middle East Between the Palestinians and the Israelis =100 (405) d.f1 The murder of Laci Peterson =100 (333) e.f1 The publication of Hillary Clinton s book about her life =100 (137) ASK FORM 2 ONLY [N=610]: Q.4F2 Do you think news organizations are giving too much coverage, too little coverage, or the right amount of coverage to [INSERT ITEM; RANDOMIZE]? a.f2 Too much Too little Right amount Don t Know/ coverage coverage coverage Refused The controversy over not finding weapons of mass destruction in Iraq so far =100 b.f2 News about the current situation in Iraq =100 May, =100 Early April, =100 c.f2 Continued violence in the Middle East between the Palestinians and the Israelis =100 d.f2 The murder of Laci Peterson =100 May, =100 e.f2 The publication of Hillary Clinton s book about her life =100 4 From March 20-April 7, 2003, the story was listed as... covering the war in Iraq. 5 In April 2003 the story was listed as News about the war in Iraq. 3

4 ASK ALL: Q.5 Next, I m going to read you a list of some people who have been in the news lately. Not everyone will have heard of them. For each one that I name, please tell me whether or not you have heard of this person. (First,) (INSERT NAME; RANDOMIZE NAMES), have you heard of this person or not? (IF HAVE HEARD, ASK) How much of a chance is there that you would vote for (INSERT NAME) if (he/she) is a candidate for president in 2004 is there a good chance, some chance, or no chance? Have you heard of (NEXT NAME) or not? BASED ON REGISTERED VOTERS [N=905]: Based on Those Who Have Heard Have Have not DK/ Good Some No DK/ Heard Heard Ref. Chance Chance Chance Ref. (N) a. George W. Bush 99 * 1= =100 (895) August, *= =100 June, *= =100 May, = =100 February, *= =100 b. John Kerry *= =100 (553) May, = =100 February, = =100 c. Dick Gephardt *= =100 (709) d. Howard Dean *= =100 (350) e. John Edwards = =100 (381) f. Carol Moseley Braun *= =100 (355) g. Dennis Kucinich *= =100 (176) h. Bob Graham = =100 (524) i. Joe Lieberman = =100 (772) j. Al Sharpton *= =100 (629) Q.6 Compared with the past presidents, do you feel that Bill Clinton will turn out to have been one of the very best, better than most, not as good as most, or definitely worse than most of them? NBC/WSJ Jan March Jan Dec Jan One of the very best Better than most Not as good as most Definitely worse than most Not sure In May, 1999 he was identified as "Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts." 4

5 On a different subject Q.7 How have you been getting most of your news about national and international issues? From television, from newspapers, from radio, from magazines, or from the Internet? [ACCEPT TWO ANSWERS: IF ONLY ONE RESPONSE IS GIVEN, PROBE FOR ADDITIONAL RESPONSE] Mid- Early Early March Feb Jan Jan Sept Sept Feb Oct Jan Jan Sept Jan Sept Jan Jan Television Newspapers Radio Magazines * * Internet Other (VOL) * Don't know/ref * * 1 * 1 * 1 * * * 1 1 * 1 * IF RESPONDENT ANSWERED '1' TELEVISION AS EITHER 1ST OR 2ND RESPONSE IN Q.7 ASK Q.7a. IF NOT, SKIP TO H.1 Q.7a Do you get most of your news about national and international issues from [READ, RANDOMIZE ITEMS 2 THRU 4 AND 5 THRU 8 SEPARATELY, AND RANDOMIZE SETS OF ITEMS (LOCAL; NETWORK; CABLE). ACCEPT MULTIPLE ANSWERS BUT DO NOT PROBE FOR ADDITIONAL] Jan Local news programming ABC Network news CBS Network news NBC Network news CNN Cable news 28 9 MSNBC Cable news 8 22 The Fox News Cable Channel 16 3 CNBC Cable news 4 3 (DO NOT READ) Don't know/refused 2 ROTATE H.1 AND H.2 H.1 In your opinion, is President Bush doing as much as he can to improve economic conditions or do you think he could be doing more? Late -- Bush, Sr. -- May March Jan Early Oct June Jan March Jan Doing as much as he can Could be doing more Can t say In March 2003 the question was worded news about the war in Iraq. 8 In Mid-September 2001, the question was worded news about the terrorist attacks. 9 In September 1995, question wording did not include international. 10 In Early January 1991 the question asked about the latest developments in the Persian Gulf. 5

6 H.2 In your opinion, is President Bush doing as much as he can to deal with health care problems in America or do you think he could be doing more? 22 Doing all he can 72 Could be doing more 6 Can t Say/Don't know/refused (VOL.) 100 H.3 Next I have some questions about problems with the health care system. How often has this topic come up in your recent conversations with family and friends? Would you say (READ, IN ORDER) March Frequently Occasionally Hardly ever, OR Never? 4 1 Don't know H.4 In the past 12 months, which of the following things, if any have happened to you or your family? (First,) have you or your family...(insert ITEM. RANDOMIZE, WITH ITEM e. ALWAYS LAST.)? Yes No DK a. Had great difficulty affording the cost of necessary medical care =100 March, =100 b. Been dropped from a health insurance plan, or refused coverage =100 March, =100 c. Been refused coverage by a health insurance company for specific preexisting conditions or medical problems =100 March, =100 d. Stayed at a job you didn't like just to keep the health insurance coverage =100 March, =100 e. Had great difficulty affording the cost of prescription drugs *=100 SUMMARY Family affected by any of 4 problems in health care (H4a through H4d) 2003= 49% 1994= 45% Family affected by any of 5 problems in health care (H4a through H4e) 2003= 55% 6

7 H.5 Which political party the Republican Party or the Democratic party do you think could do a better job of reforming the U.S. health care system? Both Republican Democratic Equally Neither Don't Party Party (VOL) (VOL) Know July, =100 Early September, =100 March, =100 October, =100 July, =100 December, n/a 10 18=100 January, n/a 8 15=100 May, n/a 16 14=100 ASK FORM 1 ONLY [N=591]: Thinking again about the news media, Q.8F1 Some people think that by criticizing leaders, news organizations keep political leaders from doing their job. Others think that such criticism is worth it because it keeps political leaders from doing things that should not be done. Which position is closer to your opinion? Mid- Early Early Late Early July Nov Sept Feb Feb Feb Jan Jan Aug Dec July Keeps leaders from doing their job Keeps leaders from doing things 54 that shouldn't be done Don't know/refused ASK FORM 2 ONLY [N=610]: Q.8F2 Some people think that by criticizing the military, news organizations weaken the country s defenses. Others think that such criticism helps keep our nation militarily prepared. Which position is closer to your opinion? Mid- July Nov March Aug Dec July Weakens defenses Keeps nation prepared Don t know/refused In Early September 1998 and earlier the question was part of a list of items. 12 In December 1993 question was worded "Reforming health care. In January 1992 and May 1990 the question was worded improving health care in the U.S. 7

8 ASK ALL: Q.9 In general, do you think news organizations get the facts straight, or do you think that their stories and reports are often inaccurate? Mid- Early Early Early July Nov Sept Feb Aug Feb Feb Jan Aug Aug May Jan July Get the facts straight Stories often inaccurate Don t know/refused Q.10 In presenting the news dealing with political and social issues, do you think that news organizations deal fairly with all sides, or do they tend to favor one side? Early Sept Feb Jan Aug Aug May Jan Dec July July Deal fairly with all sides Tend to favor one side Don t know/refused Q.11 In general, do you think news organizations are pretty independent, or are they often influenced by powerful people and organizations? Early Sept Jan Jan Aug Jan July July Pretty independent Often influenced by powerful 70 people and organizations Don t know/refused Q.12 In general, do you think news organizations pay too much attention to GOOD NEWS, too much attention to BAD NEWS, or do they mostly report the kinds of stories they should be covering? Early Sept May Aug July Too much attention to good news Too much attention to bad news Report the kinds of stories they should be covering Don t know/refused

9 Q.13 I m going to read you some pairs of opposite phrases. After I read each pair, tell me which ONE phrase you feel better describes news organizations generally. If you think that NEITHER phrase applies, please say so. [NOTE FORM SPLIT; RANDOMIZE ITEMS ON FORM 1; ASK ITEM h. FIRST ON FORM 2 AND RANDOMIZE THE REST] Mid- Early July Nov Sept Feb Aug Jan July July ASK FORM 1 ONLY [N=591]: a.f1 31 Care about the people they report on, OR Don t care about the people they report on? Neither applies Don t know/refused b.f1 27 Willing to admit their mistakes, OR Try to cover up their mistakes? Neither applies Don t know/refused c.f1 45 Moral, OR Immoral? Neither applies Don t know/refused d.f1 55 Growing in influence, OR Declining in influence? Neither applies Don t know/refused e.f1 52 Protect democracy, OR Hurt democracy? Neither applies Don t know/refused ASK FORM 2 ONLY [N=610]: f.f2 68 Care about how good a job they do, OR Don t care about how good a job they do? Neither applies Don t know/refused g.f2 62 Highly professional, OR Not professional? Neither applies Don t know/refused

10 Mid- Early July Nov Sept Feb Aug Jan July July h.f2 51 Stand up for America, OR Too critical of America? Neither applies Don t know/refused i.f2 53 Politically biased in their reporting, OR Careful that their reporting is NOT 29 politically biased Neither applies Don t know/refused j.f2 51 Liberal, OR Conservative Neither applies Don t know/refused ASK FORM 1 ONLY [N=591]: Q.14F1 Do you think some news organizations are becoming too critical of America, or don t you think so? 46 Yes, too critical of America 48 No, not too critical of America 6 Don t know/refused 100 ASK FORM 2 ONLY [N=610]: Q.14F2 Do you think some news organizations are becoming too pro-american, or don t you think so? IF YES IN Q.14F2, ASK: Q.15F2 Why do you think they are doing this? To boost their ratings or for other reasons? 25 Yes, too pro-american 14 To boost their ratings 8 For other reasons 1 Both (VOL.) * Neither (VOL.) 2 Don t know/refused (VOL.) 66 No, not too pro-american 9 Don t know/refused

11 ASK ALL: Q.16 I am going to mention some issues about television news reporting. For each, tell me if you think it is a good thing or a bad thing... First [INSERT ITEM, RANDOMIZE] is that a good thing or a bad thing in your opinion? Good Bad Thing Thing Neither DK/Ref a. Hosts of cable news shows having strong opinions about politics =100 July, =100 b. News organizations taking a strong pro-american point of view =100 c. The growing number of political news talk shows on cable T.V =100 ASK FORM 1 ONLY [N=591]: Q.17F1 In your opinion, are the news organizations you are familiar with being fair or unfair to the Bush administration? Fair Unfair DK/Refused G.W. Bush: July, =100 G.W. Bush: February, =100 Clinton: Early September, =100 Clinton: February, =100 Clinton:September, =100 Clinton: May, =100 Clinton: August, =100 Clinton: June, =100 Clinton: February, =100 Bush, Sr.: January, =100 Bush, Sr.: November, =100 Bush, Sr.: January, =100 Bush, Sr.: August, =100 Reagan: January, =100 Reagan: January, =100 Reagan: July, =100 ASK FORM 2 ONLY [N=610]: Q.18F2 Do you think the press has been too critical of the Bush Administration policies and performance so far, not critical enough or do you think that the press has handled this about right? Clinton June Press too critical Not critical enough About right 49 4 Don't know/refused

12 ASK ALL: On another subject Q.19 How much, if anything, have you heard about a Federal Communications Commission proposal to reduce current limits on the number of news outlets one company can own a lot, a little, or nothing at all? Feb A lot 3 36 A little Nothing at all 72 1 Don't know/refused Q.20 Currently federal rules limit how many news outlets a company can own nationally and in any one community. What s your opinion do you think allowing companies to own more TV, radio and newspaper outlets in a community would have a positive or negative impact on the country, or wouldn t it make much difference? Feb Positive Negative Wouldn t make much difference 46 4 Don t know/refused Q.21 Have you, yourself, ever been quoted or mentioned in a news story that was published or aired? IF ANSWERED YES IN Q.21: Q.22 About how many times has this happened to you? July Yes times or more times time 6 1 DK * 75 No 79 1 Don't know/refused Q.21 Have you, yourself, ever been quoted or mentioned in a news story that was published or aired? IF ANSWERED YES IN Q.21: Q.23 Thinking about the last time you were quoted or mentioned in a news story, were you satisfied or dissatisfied overall with the way the story turned out? July Yes Satisfied 16 6 Dissatisfied 3 1 Don't know/refused * 75 No 79 1 Don't know/refused

13 ASK ALL: Q.24 Do you think news organizations pay attention to complaints from the public about inaccuracies in news reports, or don t you think so? 35 Yes, pay attention 58 No, don t pay attention 7 Don t know/refused 100 Q.25 How much, if anything, have you heard about some serious problems with reporting at the New York Times that led to the resignation of its top editors? A great deal, some, not much, or nothing at all? 21 A great deal 29 Some 17 Not much 32 Nothing at all 1 Don t Know/Refused 100 Q.26 A reporter at the New York Times was recently discovered making up news stories. How often do you think this happens at news organizations? Frequently, occasionally, only sometimes, or hardly ever? 22 Frequently 36 Occasionally 25 Only sometimes 14 Hardly ever 3 Don t Know/Refused 100 Q.27 In your opinion, which is better that news coverage of the war on terrorism be pro-american or that news coverage of the war on terrorism be neutral? Early Late April March Feb Mid-Nov March Pro-American Neutral No opinion/don t know/refused In Early April 2003 and earlier the question was worded, that news coverage of a war be pro-american or that news coverage of a war be neutral? 13

14 Q.28 Next, I m going to read you a list of some people who have been in the news lately. Not everyone will have heard of them. For each one that I name, please tell me whether or not you have heard of this person. (First,) (INSERT NAME; RANDOMIZE NAMES), have you heard of this person or not? (IF HAVE HEARD, ASK) How much of a chance is there that you would vote for (INSERT NAME) if (he/she) is a candidate for president in 2004 is there a good chance, some chance, or no chance? Have you heard of (NEXT NAME) or not? BASED ON REGISTERED VOTERS [N=905]: Based on Those Who Have Heard Have Have not DK/ Good Some No DK/ Heard Heard Ref. Chance Chance Chance Ref. (N) a. Hillary Clinton 99 1 *= =100 (897) b. Al Gore 99 1 *= =100 (895) August, *= =100 June, *= =100 May, = =100 February, = =100 NO QUESTION 29 W.1 TO W.3 ASKED JUNE 20 - JULY 2, 2003 [N=1019]: And one last topic W.1 Do you think the U.S. made the right decision or the wrong decision in using military force against Iraq? ---- April March Late Jan / Right decision Wrong decision Don't know/refused W.2 How well is the U.S. military effort in Iraq going? [READ] Late April March Aug Jan Early Oct Oct / Nov Very well Fairly well Not too well Not at all well Don t know/refused In Late August 2002 and earlier the question was worded How well is the MILITARY effort to destroy the terrorist groups going? 14

15 W.3 Do you favor or oppose a major American effort to rebuild Iraq and establish a stable government there? Late March Feb Early Oct Favor Oppose Don t know/refused Now, just a few questions for statistical purposes only. Q.30 Do you use a computer at your workplace, at school, at home or anywhere else on at least an occasional basis? IF 1, YES (USE A COMPUTER) IN Q.30, ASK: Q.31 Do you ever go online to access the Internet or World Wide Web or to send and receive ? Based on Total Respondents: Computer User Goes Online Yes No DK/Ref Yes No DK/Ref July, *= *=100 January, = *=100 December, *= *=100 Early October, *= *=100 August, *= *=100 June, *= *=100 May, *= *=100 April, *= =100 February, *= =100 January, = =100 Mid-November, = =100 Mid-September, *= *=100 June, *= =100 May, *= =100 April, *= =100 February, = *=100 January, *= =100 July, = *=100 June, = *=100 April, *= *=100 March, = =100 February, *= =100 January, *= *=100 December, *= =100 October, *= =100 Late September, *= *=100 September, *= =100 August, *= =100 July, *= = In Late March 2003 the question was worded, Would you favor or oppose a major American effort in Iraq after the war to rebuild the country and establish a stable government? 16 In February 2003 the question was preceded by If the U.S. takes military action against Iraq In March 2000, "or anywhere else" was added to the question wording. 15

16 Q.30/31 CONTINUED... Based on Total Respondents: Computer User Goes Online Yes No DK/Ref Yes No DK/Ref June, = *=100 May, = =100 April, *= *=100 March, *= *=100 February, *= *=100 January, *= *=100 Early December, *= =100 November, *=100 Early September, *= *=100 Late August, = *=100 Early August, *= *=100 April, *= =100 January, *= =100 November, *= =100 June, = =100 Early September, *= =100 July, *= =100 April, *= *=100 March, *= =100 February, = *=100 January, = =100 June, *= The 1995 figure combines responses from two separate questions: (1) Do you or anyone in your household ever use a modem to connect to any computer bulletin boards, information services such as CompuServe or Prodigy, or other computers at other locations? (IF YES, PROBE: Is that you, someone else or both?) (2) Do you, yourself, ever use a computer at (work) (school) (work or school) to connect with computer bulletin boards, information services such as America Online or Prodigy, or other computers over the Internet? 16