After the intense political coverage during the 2024 presidential campaign, many Americans have decided to step away from the constant stream of political news. Ziad Aunallah, a 45-year-old from San Diego, describes the widespread fatigue.
A recent poll conducted by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows that about two-thirds of U.S. adults are limiting their consumption of political news. While some Americans are also reducing their intake of stories about climate change, the economy, or international conflicts, political news remains the dominant area of concern.
Democrats Lead the Trend of Media and News Fatigue
The poll results reveal that more Democrats are pulling back from political coverage compared to Republicans. About 70% of Democrats say they’re taking a break from political news, compared to 60% of Republicans. This trend is largely due to the mixed emotions following Donald Trump’s election victory, with many Democrats feeling particularly disengaged.
Television ratings have mirrored this shift. MSNBC, for example, saw a dramatic 54% decline in prime-time viewers from pre-election numbers. CNN’s audience dropped by 45%. Meanwhile, Fox News, known for its Trump-supporting audience, experienced a 13% increase in viewership post-election. This trend of lower ratings for networks with partisan leanings is not new, as similar drops occurred following previous elections.
Many Americans are increasingly frustrated with the narrow focus of media outlets on political personalities, particularly Trump.
For some viewers, the problem lies in the one-sided nature of political reporting. Kathleen Kendrick, a 36-year-old from Colorado, expressed her desire for more balanced and comprehensive coverage.
A Call for More Balanced Coverage
For networks like MSNBC, which have seen significant drops in ratings, the solution may lie in diversifying their coverage. Gude, for example, believes that if MSNBC wants to attract a broader audience, it should focus on issues beyond Trump.
Aunallah shares a similar perspective, explaining that the overwhelming focus on the election left him uninterested once the main event was over. While many Americans are seeking alternative news sources like YouTube, traditional networks face a tough challenge in regaining their audience.
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