Fact Check: 84% FEEL MAINSTREAM MEDIA POSES THREAT to DEMOCRACY

Fact-Check Article: "84% Feel Mainstream Media Poses Threat to Democracy"

What We Know

The claim that "84% feel mainstream media poses a threat to democracy" is not directly supported by any current polling data. However, several polls indicate that a significant portion of the American populace perceives mainstream media as a threat to democracy. For instance, a 2022 poll by The Hill found that nearly 60% of registered voters viewed mainstream media as a threat to democracy. Similarly, a Mediaite report highlighted that a majority of voters consider the media a greater threat than various political entities, including Donald Trump and the Supreme Court.

Additionally, a more recent Georgetown Institute poll reported that 47% of respondents identified major news organizations as an extremely or very serious threat to democracy, which, while significant, does not reach the 84% figure claimed.

Analysis

The claim of 84% appears to be an exaggeration based on the available data. The highest figure reported in recent polls regarding media's perceived threat to democracy is 60%, as noted in the The Hill poll. This discrepancy suggests that the claim may stem from a misinterpretation or misrepresentation of survey results.

The sources cited in this analysis vary in reliability. The Georgetown Institute of Politics and Public Service is generally regarded as a reputable source for political polling, given its bipartisan approach and historical accuracy in predicting electoral outcomes. The Hill and Mediaite, while credible, may have a tendency to emphasize sensational aspects of polling data, which could lead to skewed interpretations.

Moreover, the NPR/PBS News/Marist poll indicates that 76% of Americans believe democracy is under serious threat, but it does not specifically attribute this perception to mainstream media alone (NPR report). This broader context of perceived threats to democracy complicates the claim, as it suggests that many Americans may view various factors—including political leadership and social media—as contributing to this sentiment.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

While there is substantial evidence that a significant portion of the American public perceives mainstream media as a threat to democracy, the specific claim that 84% feel this way is not supported by current polling data. The highest reported figure is 60%, indicating that while the sentiment exists, the claim is overstated. Therefore, the assertion is partially true, reflecting a real concern among voters but lacking precise numerical support.

Sources

1. NEW POLL: 81% of Voters Believe Democracy is Threatened
2. Poll: Most feel democracy is threatened and political violence is a major problem
3. Social Media Seen as Mostly Good for Democracy Across Many Nations
4. American views: Trust, media and democracy - Knight Foundation
5. Threats to American Democracy Ahead of an Unprecedented Presidential Election
6. Nearly 60 percent see mainstream media as a threat to democracy
7. NYT Poll: Most Voters See Media as Threat to Democracy
8. Challenges to Democracy: The 2024 Election in Focus - PRRI