Rasmussen Reports
The most comprehensive public opinion coverage ever provided for a mid-term election.
Premium MembershipLoginSignup
Search
Sign up for free daily updates
Advertisement
Advertisement

Just 46% Consider NY Times Reliable
Advertisement

Just 46% of Americans believe that information reported in the New York Times is "very reliable" or "somewhat reliable." Twenty-three percent (23%) say information in the Times is "not very reliable" or "not at all reliable."

The data reflects more than a generalized distrust of media reporting. The Wall Street Journal, CNN, Fox News Channel, and local newspapers all were seen as significantly more reliable than the Times.

All Adults

Reliable

Not Reliable

Net

Fox News

72%

14%

+58%

Local Newspaper

73%

21%

+52%

Wall Street Journal

59%

11%

+48%

CNN

66%

21%

+45%

NY Times

46%

23%

+23%

NOTE: Reliable includes all who answered "Very Reliable" or "Somewhat Reliable." Not Reliable includes all who answered "Not Very Reliable" and "Not at All Reliable."

Roughly a third of the adults surveyed had no opinion as to the reliability of data from either the New York Times or the Wall Street Journal. There was greater familiarity with CNN and the Fox News Channel.

The survey did not include questions to determine why fewer Americans considered data from the New York Times reliable. The paper has recently been stung by scandals involving its news coverage.

From a demographic perspective, the Wall Street Journal was seen as the most reliable source by America's growing Investor Class. Two-thirds (68%) of Investors consider data from the Journal reliable while just 11% do not.

Among Investors

Reliable

Not Reliable

Net

Wall Street Journal

68%

11%

+57%

Local Newspaper

76%

21%

+55%

Fox News

73%

18%

+55%

CNN

65%

24%

+41%

NY Times

51%

27%

+24%

Women rated Fox News Channel most reliable followed by their local newspaper, CNN, the Wall Street Journal, and the New York Times.

The New York Times did best among Democrats. Fifty-two percent (52%) of Democrats consider the Times a reliable source of data, while 18% do not. Among Republicans, 45% said information from the Times is generally reliable while 27% said it is not.

Rasmussen Reports is an electronic publishing firm specializing in the collection, publication, and distribution of public opinion polling information.

The Rasmussen Reports ElectionEdgeâ„¢ Premium Service for Election 2008 offers the most comprehensive public opinion coverage ever provided for a Presidential election.

Scott Rasmussen, president of Rasmussen Reports, has been an independent pollster for more than a decade.

Survey of 1,000 Adults
July 14-15, 2003

NY Times

Very Reliable

10%

Somewhat Reliable

36%

Not Very Reliable

17%

Not at All Reliable

6%

RasmussenReports.com

Wall Street Journal

Very Reliable

19%

Somewhat Reliable

40%

Not Very Reliable

8%

Not at All Reliable

3%

RasmussenReports.com

CNN

Very Reliable

23%

Somewhat Reliable

43%

Not Very Reliable

16%

Not at All Reliable

5%

RasmussenReports.com

Fox News Channel

Very Reliable

28%

Somewhat Reliable

44%

Not Very Reliable

10%

Not at All Reliable

4%

RasmussenReports.com

Local Newspaper

Very Reliable

19%

Somewhat Reliable

54%

Not Very Reliable

17%

Not at All Reliable

4%

RasmussenReports.com

TOP STORIES

Daily Presidential Tracking Poll

48% Say Failure of GM Best for the Economy

Who's Going on the Presidential Honeymoon? By Tony Blankley

Democrats Lead by Four in Generic Congressional Ballot

Voters Rate Hillary Second Only to Powell for Secretary of State

In the Red Corner By Cordel Faulk

Bush Approval Drops Two Points in October

Electoral College: Obama 260 McCain 160

Rasmussen Investor Confidence Slips Four Points to 69.0

44% Agree: Free-Market Capitalism is Highway to American Dream

Advertisement