Fact Check: "Public broadcasting is worse than CNN and MSNBC combined."
What We Know
The claim that "public broadcasting is worse than CNN and MSNBC combined" suggests that public broadcasting outlets, such as PBS, are less trustworthy or reliable than the combined reputation of CNN and MSNBC. However, recent surveys indicate a different perspective on public broadcasting's trustworthiness. According to a poll conducted in 2024, PBS ranks as one of the most trusted news sources in America, with a net trust score of +22, placing it among the top outlets, alongside the BBC and The Wall Street Journal (Trust in Media 2024). In contrast, CNN and MSNBC are viewed as more politically polarizing, with CNN having a significant trust gap between Democrats and Republicans, and MSNBC also skewing left in its bias ratings (Cable News Shows and Networks Ranked For Bias and Accuracy).
Analysis
The assertion that public broadcasting is inferior to CNN and MSNBC can be evaluated through various metrics, including trustworthiness and bias. The 2024 survey results show that PBS is trusted by a broad audience, particularly among Democrats, who have a high level of trust in public broadcasting compared to CNN and MSNBC, which are perceived as more partisan (Trust in Media 2024).
In terms of bias, CNN has a rating of -10, indicating a left-leaning bias, while MSNBC is rated even more strongly left at -16.8 (Cable News Shows and Networks Ranked For Bias and Accuracy). This contrasts with PBS, which is generally viewed as more neutral or moderate, with many Americans not classifying it as either liberal or conservative (Trust in Media 2024).
Furthermore, the reliability ratings suggest that CNN and MSNBC, while having high viewership, are not necessarily more reliable than public broadcasting. CNN and MSNBC have reliability ratings of approximately 39.3 and 31.5, respectively, while PBS consistently ranks higher in trustworthiness (Cable News Shows and Networks Ranked For Bias and Accuracy).
The credibility of the sources used in this analysis is strong, with the data coming from reputable polling organizations and media analysis firms. The methodology employed by these organizations includes comprehensive surveys and ratings by diverse panels, which lend credibility to their findings.
Conclusion
The claim that public broadcasting is worse than CNN and MSNBC combined is False. Evidence from recent surveys indicates that public broadcasting, particularly PBS, is among the most trusted news sources in America, while CNN and MSNBC are viewed as more politically biased and polarizing. The comparative trustworthiness and reliability of these outlets suggest that public broadcasting holds a more favorable position in the eyes of many Americans.
