News Consumers’ Expectations of Journalists Vary by Differences in Journalistic Role Preference

Kate Farrish, Greg Munno, Megan L. Craig

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This mixed-methods study used Q methodology to uncover two distinct perspectives among U.S. news consumers on their expectations of journalists. One expressed a traditional, neutral view of journalism. The other was more likely to accept journalistic voice and agency. The factors were similar to those uncovered in a previous study of journalists. This study revealed consensus items among news consumers, such as “a journalist’s first obligation is to the truth,” and areas of disagreement. Participants with a more traditional view were more likely to be politically conservative and older. We also found significant differences by trust and journalistic role conception.

Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalJournalism and Mass Communication Quarterly
DOIs
StateAccepted/In press - 2024

Keywords

  • activism
  • journalism
  • neutrality
  • news consumers
  • norms
  • roles

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Communication

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