Media’s Future Is In Credibility, Not Scoops
Only journalists really care about who broke the news about a specific event — what really matters to readers is whom they trust to give them context and understanding. Being first may still feel like the most important thing, but it isn’t — and it is becoming less and less important all the time.
As pressure grows to keep up with websites and social media, many observers say TV stations need to put less emphasis on being first and more on being right. Since the number of people circulating bad information will only grow, journalists need to be more diligent in the two Vs — verifying and vetting.
Media Credibility Slides, Local TV Fares Best
The believability ratings for local TV news are higher than those for the three cable news outlets. Currently, 65% give local news a rating of 3 or 4. Since 2002, credibility ratings for local TV news have remained more stable than have ratings for the three main cable news outlets.
