The Public Opinion of Journalists in America Today

By Hannah Lennon

            While studies show that the public opinion of journalists is not favorable, local journalists and citizens disagree.

            A 2013 report by the Pew Research Center found that only “28 percent of American adults believe journalists contribute ‘a lot’ to society’s well-being.”

            The report, titled “Respect for journalists’ contributions has fallen significantly in recent years,” asked Americans to rate the contributions of 10 occupational groups. Only business executives and lawyers received lower ratings than journalists.

The report found that journalists dropped ten percentage points, the biggest drop compared to the other nine occupational groups included in the survey. While the study found that the support for journalists amongst Americans is declining, many feel differently today.

            John Voket, the associate editor of The Newtown Bee and president of the New England Newspaper and Press Association, said he believes that “many Americans value a free press and would stand to protect it.”

            Voket has been a journalist since 1977, and he worked as a paper carrier when he was only eight years old.

“I’ve been a reader and engaged with newspaper for a long time, and there has always been a segment of people who distrust and dislike the press,” said Voket.

Although many public figures severely criticize the press, Voket said that the newest pique of distaste for journalists has come from the rhetoric of President Trump.

With the recent revocation of CNN reporter Jim Acosta’s White House hard pass and the recent reinstallment of said hard pass, Voket said “even people defending Mr. Trump understand [the importance of the press].”

“Two or three out of ten [Americans] generally don’t trust the press, but the rest – to some degree – support the need to keep the free press,” said Voket.

            David Chu, the vice president of the Connecticut Energy Marketers Association, also known as CEMA, agrees with Voket.

            “The press is often publicized,” said Chu. “Mr. Trump criticizes the press because he is turning public opinion against journalists.”

            “Mr. Trump never worries about coverage, we do,” said Chu.

            Chu often deals with journalists at CEMA, and said that there is a symbiotic relationship between companies and the press.

            “We know them – we often give interviews. We know they’re not evil,” said Chu.

            Christian Herb, the president of CEMA, deals with the press alongside Chu, however he does see some issues in journalism.

            “Many people confuse journalism with commentary,” said Herb.

“Journalists and reporters are bad at sowing the different between opinions versus reporting news, and that’s their fault,” said Herb.

“Media members give a misleading manor when they state their opinion, and that confuses the general public,” Herb said.

Herb said that he will also continue to listen to what President Trump and other public figures say about the press, even if it may not be entirely true.

            “I will always listen to what they have to say because I respect them,” said Herb.

            “Public figures influence people because they’ve got respect,” said Herb.

            Nicholas Costantini, a freshman at the University of Connecticut, disagrees with Herb.

            “It’s a product of the far right – it’s a political distraction,” said Costantini.

            “It’s important to be as open minded as possible, but journalists drive the media,” said Costantini.

            “They do an important job,” said William Cronkhite, another UConn freshman.