Journalists Highly Concerned About Press Freedoms: Study

U.S. journalists are alarmed about the future of press freedom in the country, judging by an analysis released by Pew Research Center in time for World Press Freedom today on Wednesday.   

Of those polled, 57% are extremely or very worried about possible press restrictions, 33% extremely so, and 24% very. And 23% are somewhat concerned.  

Older, more seasoned journalists are especially worried, with 42% in the 65+ cohort and 39% in the 50-64 age group extremely concerned.  

In contrast, 28% of those aged 30-49 are extremely worried, as are 20% in the 18-29 demographic.  

The pattern is similar when it comes to years in the industry. These percentages say they are extremely concerned:

  • 5 years or less—24% 
  • 8-10 years—28% 
  • 11-20 years—31%
  • More than 20 years—39% 

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There seems to be less divergence when it comes to political leaning. Of those who tilt right, 36% are extremely concerned, as are 34% who have mixed views, and 31% who lean left.  

Moreover, the feelings are consistent regardless of the focus of the journalists’ outlets—local, state, national or international—and whether their original platform is television, print, online, radio or podcast.   

The analysis is based on a 2022 Pew Research Center survey of nearly 12,000 working U.S.-based journalists.

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