Survey: Americans Say They’re Well-Informed, But Dissatisfied With Coverage of Iraq War

By Poynter Online.

Zogby survey commissioned by Poynter reveals the stories people remember and the stories they want.

For five years, journalists have reported on the Iraq war from abroad and at home, telling stories about lives lost or forever changed, the economic impact of the war and the medical mistreatment of soldiers at Walter Reed Hospital.

A new study commissioned by The Poynter Institute to learn more about Americans’ views on Iraq war coverage reveals that of the 8,683 adults surveyed earlier this month, 75 percent feel well-informed. But the majority of readers, viewers and listeners say they are still far from satisfied with the coverage.

Among participants of the online survey, conducted by Zogby International, 47 percent described the coverage as ”poor” and 33 percent rated it “fair.” About 16 percent called it “good,” while 2 percent regarded it as “excellent.” Of those surveyed, 90 percent describe themselves as active consumers of news. (See sample details.)

The study reveals a deep dissatisfaction with war coverage and provides information journalists can use to learn more about what the public wants.

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