2007-10-03-皮尤-Ahmadinejad_Visit_Draws_Large_Audience_10页_52kb

Summary of News Interest Index Report (October 4, 2007)

• Major International News Comparison: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's visit to the U.S. in September was the most followed news story (23% very close attention), receiving the highest news coverage (13% of national newshole). In contrast, pro-democracy protests in Burma received significantly less public interest (13% very close attention) but still substantial news coverage (8% of national newshole). Democrats showed greater interest in the Burma story than Republicans or those without college degrees.

• 2008 Presidential Campaign: Interest remained steady, with Republicans showing lower engagement (21% very close attention). Democrats were significantly more attentive than Republicans to campaign news.

• Iraq Situation vs. Policy Debate: The public demonstrated greater interest in ongoing events in Iraq (30% very close attention) than in the policy debate (22% very close attention). News coverage of the policy debate fluctuated recently.

• GM-UAW Agreement: Interest was moderate (14% very close attention), with higher engagement in the Midwest.

Key Differences in News Interest vs. Coverage:

• The level of public interest often differed from the amount of news coverage. Story popularity (based on public attention) was assessed separately from its prominence in news outlets.