The Role of News in Democracy

THIS SURVEY IS NOW CLOSED.

A public survey by the Fair Media Council exploring how Americans perceive today’s news, journalism, and democracy, and how those perceptions shape our communities and our future. Your feedback helps us advocate for fair, accurate, and trustworthy news — the foundation of an informed democracy.

Why This Survey Matters

Every day, people search for answers about how to find trustworthy news, how to spot misinformation, how to tell if a source is credible, whether the news is biased, how journalism is changing, and how the media influences democracy. This survey explores these questions, and your perspective helps strengthen fair, accurate, and trustworthy journalism.

The Role of News in Democracy — Public Survey

Public survey conducted by the Fair Media Council to explore how people view the role of news, journalism, and democracy in today’s society. It should take less than five minutes to complete. Note this 19-question survey lets you save your progress at any time and return later using the link provided. After you submit your answers, check this space for a confirmation.

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Part I: Values & Importance

1. How important is news media in your everyday life?*

Very important — I rely on it daily

Somewhat important — I check occasionally

Not very important — I can stay informed in other ways

Not important at all

Unsure

2. What is the news media’s role in democracy today?*

It strengthens democracy by keeping people informed and holding power accountable

It somewhat supports democracy, but not consistently

It weakens democracy by spreading division or misinformation

It has little or no impact on democracy

Unsure

3. How would you describe the current state of American democracy?*

I’m optimistic about its strength and believe it’s getting stronger

I’m pessimistic about its strength and believe it’s getting weaker

I see no real change

It has outlived its purpose

Unsure

4. How would you describe the current state of the American news media?*

I’m optimistic about its strength and believe it’s getting stronger

I’m pessimistic about its strength and believe it’s getting weaker

I see no real change

It has lost its purpose

Unsure

5. What do you want most from news today?*

Accuracy — getting the facts right and in the proper context

Fairness — covering all sides without bias

Relevance — helping me understand my community or the world

Accountability — holding power to account

Solutions — coverage that helps solve problems

Other (please specify below)

Select up to two.

If other, please explain:

Part II: Understanding Journalism

6. Which of the following best describes a journalist’s role?*

To report facts as objectively as possible

To interpret and explain complex issues

To advocate for truth and justice

To reflect the audience’s values and concerns

To persuade me in my decision-making or lifestyle choices

Unsure

7. In your own words, how would you describe what a journalist does?

Optional.

8. Can a story be reported without bias?*

Yes — it’s possible and desirable to report without bias

No — every story reflects some point of view or agenda

Sometimes — it depends on how the story is covered

I’m not sure

I’ve never thought about it

9. Which of these matters the most to you as a news consumer?*

Fairness — covering both or more sides of an issue

Speed — getting information quickly and in a way that’s easy to understand

Alignment — reflecting my values or beliefs

Engagement — prompting me to respond or share stories

Personalization — tailoring content to my interests and profile

Unsure

Part III: Personal News Preferences

10. When choosing where to get your news, what matters most to you?*

That it reflects my personal values or beliefs

That it presents multiple perspectives

That it challenges me to think differently

That it’s entertaining or easy to follow

That it’s quick and accessible

Other (please specify):

Select up to two

If other, please explain:

11. What is the deciding factor in the news outlets you follow?*

They share my political or social perspective

They help me make sense of complex issues and how they affect my community or the world

They report breaking news quickly, even before all details are confirmed

They use personalities or reporters I trust

They tell stories that connect on an emotional or personal level

Unsure

12. What makes you stop following a news outlet?*

It becomes too biased or one-sided

It focuses on stories that feel irrelevant to me

It uses too much opinion instead of reporting

It gets facts wrong or relies on unverified information

It feels too negative or sensationalized

Unsure

Part IV: Journalism & Responsibility

13. How well does news media inform you about issues that are important to you?*

Very well

Somewhat well

Not very well

Not at all

Unsure

14. How much influence does your engagement with a news story (such as clicking, sharing, commenting, liking) have on future news coverage?*

A great deal of influence

Some influence

Very little influence

None at all

Unsure

15. Should reporters be part of the stories they cover?*

Yes — it makes reporting more relatable and authentic

No — the story should focus on the subject, not the journalist

Sometimes — when personal experience helps explain the issue

Rarely — only if necessary

Unsure

Part V: Audience Behavior & Trust

16. What makes you engage with a news story?*

The topic is relevant to me or my community

It’s timely or breaking news

It surprises or challenges me

It aligns with my beliefs or opinions

It stirs an emotional reaction

Other (please specify):

Select up to two

If other, please explain:

17. Overall, how much do you trust the news media today?*

A great deal

Somewhat

Very little

Not at all

Unsure

Part VI: Trust & Interest

18. What determines your trust in a news source?*

The credibility of the sources and experts it uses

Its track record so I know what to expect

Its transparency about mistakes or corrections

How it aligns with my values and beliefs

Recommendations from people I know

19. What would make you more interested in following the news?*

Less negativity and outrage

More coverage that reflects my values or beliefs

Coverage that is free of political and/or religious agendas

Stories with more explanation and context

Greater diversity of voices and perspectives

Optional Demographics

ZIP Code:

Age Range: Please Choose from Dropdown Menu:

Education Level: Please Choose from Dropdown Menu:

Primary Way You Get Your News: Please Choose from Dropdown Menu:

Email (Optional- Get updates from Fair Media Council.)

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The Role of News in Democracy

THIS SURVEY IS NOW CLOSED.

Why This Survey Matters

The Role of News in Democracy — Public Survey

Part I: Values & Importance

Part II: Understanding Journalism

Part III: Personal News Preferences

Part IV: Journalism & Responsibility

Part V: Audience Behavior & Trust

Part VI: Trust & Interest

Optional Demographics

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