Public Opinion on Investigative Reporting in the 1980s

Abstract

This study compares findings of four telephone surveys on perceived public importance of investigative reporting and the acceptability of different reporting methods—a 1980 Chicago study, a 1981 national Gallup survey, a 1984–1985 national poll and a 1989 statewide Indiana poll. Higher levels of public support were found in Chicago, a city with a tradition of investigative reporting, than nationally or in Indiana. Those who had an interest in the topic under journalistic investigation also expressed higher interest. Yet these studies, collectively, find approval of investigative techniques is not predicted by age, race, gender, education, income, political party, newspaper or television viewing habits, or by beliefs in the importance of keeping up with the news or exposing public problems. These studies do suggest that a particular community is an important predictor of public opinion about investigative reporting.