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

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 tho...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journalism & mass communication quarterly 2024-10
Main Authors: Farrish, Kate, Munno, Greg, Craig, Megan L.
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary: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.
ISSN:1077-6990
2161-430X
DOI:10.1177/10776990241287159