http://www.journalism.org/research_and_analysis/Commentaries%2520and%2520Backgrounders Journalism.org's Commentaries Feed en-US http://www.journalism.org/node/33184 The Twitter debate about gun control has taken many twists and turns since the Newtown killings, according to a new Pew Research Report that looks at the mainstream coverage and social media conversation on that issue. Which terms did the media most often invoke when discussing gun control? And how big a factor was President Obama in driving the narrative about it? http://www.journalism.org/node/32376 Back in 2007, when President George W. Bush pushed for new immigration legislation, PEJ research showed the degree to which conservative talk hosts attacked the measure. And, they themselves took credit for helping to kill it. Will these hosts reprise their staunch opposition this time around? The early indications suggest that perhaps not. http://www.journalism.org/node/31815 PEJ and The Economist Group have announced the results from their Future of Mobile News Infographic challenge, hosted by Visual.ly. Three designs, as well as a student entry, stood out among a number of strong submissions. See the featured infographics on our site and learn more about them. http://www.journalism.org/node/31379 As the presidential election enters the last lap, where are people going to learn about the campaign and the candidates? A new PEJ survey finds an increasingly diverse ecosystem for political news. http://www.journalism.org/node/31167 The reaction to the first presidential debate was better for Barack Obama in social media than in the traditional press, where the consensus was that Mitt Romney had won handily. But the sentiment differed by social media platform and generally criticism was more plentiful than praise. http://www.journalism.org/node/31087 During what may prove a key period in the race for president, the candidates received very different treatment on Twitter, Facebook and blogs than in the mainstream media, a new PEJ study finds. The candidates each enjoyed a bounce in mainstream media treatment during their conventions. By contrast, social media showed little change, and the discourse was highly negative. http://www.journalism.org/node/31022 Depending on the local news topic, urban residents are more likely to use mobile and online sources, while suburbanites are most heavily into social media and rural residents are more inclined to word of mouth sources. A joint PEJ-Pew Internet report offers more about how people get local news in specific communities. http://www.journalism.org/node/30491 What’s the job market like for 2011 mass communication and journalism graduates? According to a new survey from the University of Georgia, there was an uptick in the percentage of bachelor degree recipients who found jobs and, for the first time in years, a small increase in their salaries. But the overall picture is far from rosy. http://www.journalism.org/node/30319 The conversation on Twitter about the Penn State scandal has shifted focus over the last month from the man convicted of sexual abuse to the school and then to the NCAA. But one constant in the conversation has not budged—views of Joe Paterno. http://www.journalism.org/node/30019 Users of Twitter, Facebook and blogs weighed in heavily on the Supreme Court Health Care ruling last week. PEJ examines the sentiment on each of the three social media platforms, how that sentiment shifted in the days that followed the ruling and the degree to which users delved into implications for the presidential contenders. http://www.journalism.org/node/29960 Reports that News Corp is spinning off the publishing division cap a year of major changes in news industry ownership. It was the busiest time for newspaper sales since 2007 and witnessed the single largest local TV acquisition in four years. Visit PEJ’s interactive database, to explore financial statistics on more than 4,000 radio and TV stations, newspapers and news websites. http://www.journalism.org/node/29855 PEJ examines how the health care debate was presented in the press, which party won the messaging war and how the bill has largely disappeared from view. http://www.journalism.org/node/29070 Local news enthusiasts follow a diverse set of topics, but rely heavily on local newspapers to keep them informed, according to a survey by the Pew Research Center’s Project for Excellence in Journalism and Internet & American Life Project that examined the ways people get news and information about 16 different topics, ranging from breaking news to weather. http://www.journalism.org/node/28321 After the furor over its decision to defund Planned Parenthood, the Susan G. Komen foundation reversed course and a key official resigned. http://www.journalism.org/node/27706 The internet is the source that people most rely on for material about the local business scene and search engines are particularly valued. http://www.journalism.org/node/26454 Spanish-language media is an important tool for a U.S. Hispanic population that is increasingly bilingual and American-born. Is the Hispanic newspaper market experiencing the same issues as English-language papers? Why are networks like Univision growing so rapidly? Is radio still a dominant force in Spanish-language media? PEJ answers these and other questions in a new examination of the Hispanic Media landscape. http://www.journalism.org/node/26186 The annual survey of recent journalism and communication graduates by the University of Georgia shows only small changes in a difficult employment environment. But there are some silver linings, including a jump in job satisfaction among those who have found work in the field. http://www.journalism.org/node/25929 The scandal rocking Rupert Murdoch’s media empire—as well as the highest circles of British politics and law enforcement—has been a major story in the U.S. news media for two weeks. But how has Murdoch’s cable news channel here covered the story? A PEJ examination has some answers. http://www.journalism.org/node/25928 http://www.journalism.org/node/25877 The recent scandal involving Rupert Murdoch’s news operations in the United Kingdom, and news of new FBI investigation in the U.S., raises questions about whether or not the controversy will spread to his American holdings. What media properties does Murdoch own in America? PEJ offers details. http://www.journalism.org/node/24991 Contrary to what happens with most major national news events, the discussion of the death of Osama bin Laden in the mainstream and new media has not shifted quickly to political winners and losers. An analysis of hundreds of thousands of stories and millions of social media postings finds the discussion has remained focused on the facts of what happened. A new PEJ study has the details. http://www.journalism.org/node/22034 The latest biennial survey on news consumption from the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press reveals signs of a new era in the acquisition and consumption of news—and there is reason to expect the shift will accelerate. What is the nature of this new era, and why is it happening? A commentary on the findings by PEJ Director Tom Rosenstiel. http://www.journalism.org/node/21564 The University of Georgia’s yearly survey of journalism and communication graduates is out and the news isn’t good. The job market has tightened, salaries are stagnant and benefits are being cut. On the brighter side, more of the 2009 grads with jobs are doing web-related work and by and large, the students remain satisfied with their career choice. http://www.journalism.org/node/21431 The Shirley Sherrod saga started with a video posted online and ended with a flurry of finger pointing.  In a special report, PEJ reconstructs a chronology of how the story reverberated around the media echo chamber before dramatically changing course. And this week’s News Coverage Index finds that the tale of the USDA employee prematurely forced out of her job was the No. 2 story in the news agenda. http://www.journalism.org/node/19731 Videos of the deadly tornado that ripped through Moore Oklahoma went viral in the aftermath of the May 20 disaster. A Pew Research report finds that citizen bystanders shot some of the most viewed video of the violent storm and discusses how natural disasters are big news on YouTube. http://www.journalism.org/node/17026 The 2008 class of journalism and communications graduates is suffering the worst job prospects on record, according to a new report from the University of Georgia. And as those numbers seem to be reflected in growing pessimism about the news industry among degree recipients, it’s forcing many of them to be more flexible about career aspirations. http://www.journalism.org/node/16932 Coverage of health news is on the rise according to an examination of media coverage from January to June 2009. Which health news topics generated the biggest headlines in 2009? What media sectors pay the most attention to health care? These questions and more are answered in a new study, produced by PEJ and the Kaiser Family Foundation. http://www.journalism.org/node/15532 News web sites can instantly measure which stories and features are popular and which are bombing at the online box office. How are journalists using this instantaneous data, and is the net effect positive or not? http://www.journalism.org/node/15083 Online news is a rapidly changing media platform. Are Web journalists optimistic about the future? Is the Internet altering the fundamental values of journalism? These questions and more are answered in a survey of online journalists. http://www.journalism.org/node/15274 How popular was local television as a source for news in 2008? How did ratings for morning, evening and late night newscasts fare? These questions and more are answered in the Local TV chapter of the State of the News Media 2009 report. http://www.journalism.org/node/15253 In an industry that is constantly changing, how is radio faring? In what ways has technology affected how people get their news on the radio? Read the Audio Chapter of the State of the News Media 2009 for answers. http://www.journalism.org/node/15178 In 2008, new media consumption patterns and a worsening economy battered an already flailing news industry. How are different media coping with declines in ad spending? This question and more are answered in PEJ’s new State of the News Media 2009 report. http://www.journalism.org/node/13165 The 2008 race for the White House has once again seen intensifying complaints about media bias, most recently from the McCain camp. The charges have ranged from liberalism, to sexism, and more. A new PEJ review offers an historical perspective on the evolution of the tenuous relationship between press and political leaders. http://www.journalism.org/node/12673 PEJ gauges online buzz during the Democratic and Republican conventions. http://www.journalism.org/node/12448 A new Pew Research Center survey finds people using various traditional media at historically low levels. But the more telling findings here are not where people get news but how. In a commentary, PEJ Director Tom Rosenstiel sees the outlines of a new "On Demand" Media Culture. http://www.journalism.org/node/10365 The tactical success of the surge and the tactical failures of the new Democratic Congress are among the reasons why the five-year-old conflict seems to have disappeared from the headlines. And then there are the competing demands of covering the most intriguing presidential campaign in recent memory. http://www.journalism.org/node/9200 The media were busy anointing winners after the Jan. 3 Iowa caucuses. And the theme of change and surprise also resonated throughout much of the commentary. But a PEJ look at the caucus post-mortems finds that perhaps the most distinct aspect of the coverage was the certainty that something major had occurred that night in Iowa. http://www.journalism.org/node/7968 After years of anticipation, News Corp. launched its Fox Business Network in October 2007. While other rivals to CNBC have struggled, Wall Street is bullish on the potential of Fox’s chances in what has emerged as a lucrative and growing market. http://www.journalism.org/node/6979 San Francisco Giant slugger Barry Bonds became baseball’s all-time home run king on Aug 7. But allegations of steroid use have triggered a fierce debate in the sports world over the meaning and validity of his record. A PEJ evaluation of the coverage in more than 40 newspapers sheds some light on the sportswriters’ response to Bonds’ feat. http://www.journalism.org/node/6757 With the drawn-out approval of Rupert Murdoch's bid for the Wall Street Journal finally in, attention turns to what he will make of the paper. Starting back in the early 70’s the global media magnate began investing in a series of American newspapers. How did those publications do? Here’s a scorecard. http://www.journalism.org/node/6571 It’s been off the books since the FCC repealed it two decades ago. But an old rule regulating content on the airwaves has suddenly become a topic on Capitol Hill and on the talk radio circuit. Is the Fairness Doctrine really headed for a comeback? http://www.journalism.org/node/5982 There have been a few twists and turns in the eight-year history of Beliefnet.com, the faith-oriented web site. But the outlet, which recently captured a major National Magazine Award, has reinvented itself by trying to turn a potentially polarizing subject into an all-inclusive gathering place. http://www.journalism.org/node/5878 For years, magazine watchers relied on monthly advertising reports known as "PIBs" to gauge the health of the industry. Recently, the "PIBs" were cut back from 12 a year to only four. A magazine trade organization says that’s an attempt to provide more meaningful data, but analysts suggest it’s also a reflection of tough economic times. http://www.journalism.org/node/5748 In a speech to graduating seniors at Boston University, PEJ Senior Counselor Bill Kovach discussed the need for citizens to carefully sort through disinformation and news to define a "reality" that offers the best understanding of our increasingly complicated democracy. http://www.journalism.org/node/5553 Looking for a way to get out its message in Iraq, the U.S. Multi-National Force Iraq has turned to You Tube and has found some success with users who have made the site one of this month’s most popular. The site aims to use footage shot by military personnel to give a fuller picture of Iraq, a spokesman says. PEJ examines the effort. http://www.journalism.org/node/5509 With the news business in transition, fragmentation, and turmoil, many veteran journalists wonder about their careers. What about those preparing to first enter the field? The PEJ asked a group of journalism students about their hopes and fears—and their answers may surprise you. http://www.journalism.org/node/5243 He was a newspaperman and a war correspondent, a prolific author and an insatiably curious sports fan. But above all, David Halberstam—who died at age 73 in a car accident on Monday—was a reporter committed to helping his readers understand the complex world around them. PEJ senior counselor Bill Kovach offers his tribute to his friend, one of the nation’s most distinguished journalists. http://www.journalism.org/node/4946 For more than three decades, John Morton kept a close eye on America’s daily publishing business. Now shutting down his popular newsletter and heading into semi-retirement, one of the most influential experts in the field offers a prognosis and prescription for an industry in trouble. http://www.journalism.org/node/4445 The jury has spoken in the perjury and obstruction trial of Scooter Libby that so intimately involved the journalism profession itself. We know the Vice President’s former top aide was found guilty. But who or what else did the media implicate in its post-verdict coverage? http://www.journalism.org/node/4143 Student journalists and school personnel have been known to clash on occasion over what news is fit to print. Now precedent-setting legislation wending its way through the Washington State House is intended to give students more control over and responsibility for the content of the school publication.