We polled 2000 consumers from around the UK regarding the recent Leveson enquiry and whether they trust the media in general.
Shockingly, but perhaps not surprisingly 25% of the individuals polled had no trust in the media at all. It was interesting to note that as people get older, their mistrust of the media increases, perhaps due to experience of previous scandals around the media. From 18 – 34, 16% didn’t trust the media; through to 55+ 29% not trusting.
Men are more inclined to believe the media than Women in general, but should be noted that both genders indicated very little complete trust in the media. With just an average 0.85% saying that they did.
Generally most people took the media with a “pinch of salt”[i]. 33% of people said that they trusted the media half the time.
When asked which media outlet they considered to be the most impartial and trustworthy, the BBC network came out on top, with the Guardian, Independent and Telegraph close behind. Online channels such as Twitter also were mentioned as a trust worthy source, perhaps reinforcing the notion that the internet is free of the problems the papers suffer from.
Indicating a cautious approach to regulation the bulk of people 29% indicated an independent regulation system, shying away from state control, but ensuring that media control was not the dominating factor of any Press Complaints Commission.
However, a significant potion 24% did want complete state control over the media. Similar to the current licensing laws that apply to Television.
Do you think the government should issue licenses for the papers or do you think they should be left alone?
See the results of the survey here.
Create your own survey on the enquiry here.