77% Say Media Make Economic Crisis Worse-Poll, consequence

(PRNewswire): "The majority of those surveyed feel that the financial press, by focusing on and

• embellishing negative news,

is damaging consumer confidence and damping investment, making a difficult situation much worse. The poll was conducted via telephone, December 4 - 7.

The US survey of 1000 adults was conducted by Opinion Research Corporation and is statistically representative of the total U.S. population. The survey question: "Do you think the financial press is making the economic crisis worse by projecting fear into people's minds?" While the overall response indicated that 77% of Americans answered YES, here are highlights of note:

• Household Incomes: $25k - $35k -- 79% answered YES $35k - $50k -- 88% answered YES $50k - $75k -- 76% answered YES $75k - more -- 78% answered YES
• Demographics: 85% of young adults (18-24 yrs old) answered YES 77% of males and females alike answered YES 65% of blacks answered YES

Richard L. Scheff, a national expert on corporate liability and white collar crime issues,

• warns media that they could potentially be exposed to liability despite apparent constitutional protections:

"Although statements by the media are protected by the First Amendment, the survey results demonstrate that the public believes that

• the press bears some responsibility for the lack of confidence in the economy.

• One would hope that the media would act less out of self-interest in these times of national crisis,...Opinion Research Corporation...is the official partner of CNN/Opinion Research Poll.(R)" via Free Republic

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