News Consumers’ Expectations of Journalists Vary by Differences in Journalistic Role Preference

Abstract

This mixed-methods study used Q methodology to uncover two distinct perspectives among U.S. news consumers on their expectations of journalists. One expressed a traditional, neutral view of journalism. The other was more likely to accept journalistic voice and agency. The factors were similar to those uncovered in a previous study of journalists. This study revealed consensus items among news consumers, such as “a journalist’s first obligation is to the truth,” and areas of disagreement. Participants with a more traditional view were more likely to be politically conservative and older. We also found significant differences by trust and journalistic role conception.