How Much Do Americans Trust CNN and Fox News?
Americans are a very diverse group. It is challenging to pinpoint where the majority stands on any issue. However, one clear trend emerges: CNN is losing ground, while Fox News is gaining momentum in ratings.
It is often said that when it comes to trust in media, Fox News is the go-to choice for many Republicans, even though a majority of its content is not actually news but rather infotainment. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) is another trusted source for a subset of Republicans. Among Democratic viewers or those leaning Democratic, almost all reputable news sources, including CNN, are trusted.
Logical Versus Emotional Decision-Making
The truth is, Fox News tends to be trusted by individuals who can think critically and logically, while CNN is favored by those who may be less adept at analyzing information and follow politically skewed news without question. Opinion can vary from person to person and may change over time.
Average viewership for Fox News and CNN can be compared as follows: from January 1, 2022, to February 6, 2022, Fox News averaged 1.5 million viewers, while CNN averaged 467,000 viewers. This indicates a significant disparity in viewership and trust levels.
Trust in Fox News by Political Affiliation
According to a poll, the trust percentages for Fox News among different political affiliations are:
Republicans: 53% Democrats: 19%Critical Analysis of CNN and Fox News
CNN is often considered a reliable source of news, delivering accurate and timely reports with limited analysis. However, studies have shown that Fox News is significantly less accurate. Research indicates that the content of Fox News is mostly false, with a 60% inaccuracy rate. Furthermore, regular Fox News viewers tend to have a poorer understanding of actual politics compared to non-viewers.
For individuals who are deeply rooted in their political beliefs, Fox News is often seen as a propaganda arm for the extreme right. Almost everything reported by Fox News is disputed when it comes under legal scrutiny. The channel often defends its practices by claiming it is an entertainment channel, suggesting that no reasonable person would believe the biased narratives.
On the other hand, many viewers, including myself, prefer CNN for its commitment to truth and accurate reporting. While CNN might not delve into extensive analysis, it gets the basics right, providing reasonable and real-time news coverage.
In conclusion, the trust in CNN and Fox News is heavily influenced by political affiliation and the ability to critically assess information. For those seeking reliable news, CNN is a clear choice, while Fox News remains a site of deep political polarization.