Most say journalists should be watchdogs, but views of how well they fill this role vary by party, media diet
Nearly three out of four U.S. adults say that, in general, it’s important for journalists to function as watchdogs over elected officials.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
Journalists
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Journalists
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It’s more common for white, older, more-educated Americans to have spoken with local journalists
Overall, about two-in-ten Americans say they have ever spoken with or been interviewed by a local journalist.
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Newsroom employees earn less than other college-educated workers in U.S.
Newsroom employees are more than twice as likely as other U.S. workers to be college graduates. But they tend to make less money than college-educated workers in other industries.
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In 21 states, local newspapers lack a dedicated D.C. reporter covering Congress
Between 2009 and 2014, the number of Washington-based reporters for local newspapers accredited by the Senate to cover Congress declined by 11%.
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How citizens and investigative journalists handle privacy protection
The public’s muted response on possible government monitoring of their online behavior differs from that of investigative journalists, whose work makes them potential targets for monitoring.
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How Investigative Journalists View Surveillance and Digital Security
The U.S.-based members of Investigative Reporters & Editors we surveyed were asked to describe how electronic surveillance and hacking have influenced their work or journalism as a whole.
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How Investigative Journalists View Surveillance and Digital Security
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Investigative Journalists and Digital Security
Two-thirds of IRE journalists believe the U.S. government has probably collected data on their communications. But few have been dissuaded to pursue a story because of such concerns.
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5 key takeaways about how investigative reporters view their digital security
As journalism becomes an increasingly digital practice, the data and communications of investigative journalists have become vulnerable to hackers, government surveillance and legal threats. But what are these vulnerabilities – and what steps have investigative journalists taken to protect themselves?
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As news business takes a hit, the number of black journalists declines
The number of black journalists working at U.S. daily newspapers has dropped 40% since 1997. That represents a loss of almost 1,200 journalists — from 2,946 in 1997 to 1,754 in 2013.
