Half of Americans don’t find journalists to be influential over society and public discourse, a new study from the Pew Research Center found.
About half of U.S. adults, 49 percent, said journalists are losing influence in society, compared with 15 percent who said they are gaining influence, the study published on Wednesday found.
Fewer than half, 45 percent, said they have a great deal or a fair amount of confidence in journalists to act in the best interests of the public, according to the study.
Majorities of respondents described most journalists as “intelligent,” 63 percent, and “well-intentioned,” 58 percent. More than half, 58 percent, also said most journalists are biased.
The study comes as more Americans turn away from mainstream and traditional news outlets in favor of social media platforms, content producers and internet influencers for updates on current events.
A dwindling supply of advertising revenue is leading to a diminished local media presence in many major markets, while large news providers are retooling their business away from print and linear broadcast channels and toward streaming and digital.
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