In Media We Trust?
Critical Analysis
According to the data from the chart above, in 2021 what percent of all American adults say that have “hardly any,” confidence in the media?
According to the data from the chart above, in 1970 what percent of all American adults say that have “hardly any,” confidence in the media?
Identify one trend in American trust in the media between 1970 and the present.
Why do you think that is?
Describe one consequence of this change in trust.
According to the data from the chart above, in 2021 what is the difference between Democratic and Republican American adults who say that have “hardly any,” confidence in the media?
Why do you think that is?
What is a consequence of this partisan difference?
How does this partisan difference impact American elections?
Plot the following events and elections on the chart above then determine which events were most important to the changing level of trust in the media:
Obama first elected president
September 11
COVID-19
Founding of Facebook
CBS News hired Mick Mulvaney, a former Trump White House Chief of Staff who was previously best known for lying relentlessly to journalists and being intimately involved in the decision to withhold arms from Ukraine.
Trump elected president
Election disinformation campaigns in 2016 election
Nixon and Watergate scandal
Reagan First Elected president
Vietnam War
CNN Founded - beginning of 24 hour cable news
Learning Extension
Action Extension
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. An independent U.S. government agency overseen by Congress, the commission is the United States' primary authority for communications law, regulation and technological innovation. Contact the FCC and let them know what you think they could do to restore trust in the media.
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