Newspaper circulation has been eroding, television audiences shrinking, and reporters sent looking for work. But, while mainstream journalists and their companies struggle with the realities of an online world, consumers of journalism are pleased with the results.

A Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that 53% of American voters believe the Internet has had a positive impact on journalism. Only 26% believe it has been bad for the profession while 13% say it’s had no impact and 9% are not sure.

Not surprisingly, young adults are more enthusiastic about the impact of the new medium on journalism. Among those under 30, 66% say the Internet has been good for journalism. Among Senior Citizens however, opinion is evenly divided—36% say it’s been good and 33% take the opposite view.

Liberals are more upbeat about the impact of the Internet than conservatives. Sixty-two percent (62%) of liberals say the impact on journalism has been good while 18% say the opposite. Among conservatives, 51% say the impact has been positive while 32% see a negative impact.

An earlier survey found that most adults over 50 see television as the best news source. But, for those under 40, it’s the Internet.

However, while most see the overall impact of the Internet as positive, only 22% of all voters say that well known bloggers are as reliable as well known television and newspaper reporters. Forty-six percent (46%) say they’re not as reliable while 32% are not sure.

Once again, the generational differences are significant. A third (33%) of those under 30 believe bloggers are as reliable but that view is shared by only 12% of senior citizens. Twenty-seven percent (27%) of men find the bloggers as reliable along with 18% of women.

The survey also found that 52% believe the overall impact of the Internet on American culture has been good for the nation. Only 20% say it’s been bad.

Forty-five percent (45%) say the impact of the Internet on politics has been positive while 25% say the opposite. Fifty-four percent (54%) of liberals see a positive impact on politics along with 41% of conservatives.

Crosstabs available for Premium Members only,