The American Journalist Under Attack: An Institution at Risk

Abstract

Data from six decades underpin this representative survey of 1,600 U.S. journalists conducted in 2022 that analyzes changes in journalists’ characteristics, values, and attitudes. Findings indicate the “interpretive-investigative” function remains prominent, while endorsement of the “disseminator” role has dropped dramatically. Social media usage is now routine but concerns about its adverse effects on journalism have risen sharply since 2013. While lack of diversity is still a problem in U.S. newsrooms, women have made strides in numbers and leadership and are now at parity on salaries. Alarmingly, six in 10 U.S. journalists report having received threats in their jobs.

Keywords

U.S. journalists professional roles and values democracy survey

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