Audience perception on the credibility of news source on television

The credibility of a news source on television is a crucial factor in shaping audience perception and influencing their trust in the information being presented. Here are some key findings on audience perception of news source credibility on television:

  1. Source credibility is a key factor: Research has consistently shown that audience perception of news source credibility is a critical factor in determining their trust in the information being presented (Kiousis, 2001; Eveland & Hasebrink, 2013).
  2. Visual cues matter: The visual presentation of news programs, including the use of graphics, images, and anchors, can influence audience perceptions of credibility (Kiousis, 2001; Eveland & Hasebrink, 2013).
  3. Journalistic reputation and expertise: Audiences tend to perceive news sources with a strong journalistic reputation and expertise in a particular area as more credible (Kiousis, 2001; Eveland & Hasebrink, 2013).
  4. Partisanship and ideology: Research has shown that audience perceptions of news source credibility can be influenced by their political ideology and partisanship (Stroud, 2011; Garrett, 2009).
  5. Source diversity and balance: Audiences tend to perceive news sources that present diverse perspectives and balance in their reporting as more credible (Kiousis, 2001; Eveland & Hasebrink, 2013).
  6. News source reputation and trust: Audiences tend to perceive news sources with a strong reputation for accuracy, fairness, and impartiality as more trustworthy (Kiousis, 2001; Eveland & Hasebrink, 2013).
  7. Audience characteristics: Research has shown that audience characteristics, such as age, education, and political orientation, can influence their perceptions of news source credibility (Kiousis, 2001; Eveland & Hasebrink, 2013).
  8. Contextual factors: The context in which news is consumed can also influence audience perceptions of credibility, including factors such as the time of day, the medium used, and the presence of other people (Kiousis, 2001; Eveland & Hasebrink, 2013).

To increase audience perception of credibility on television, news organizations can:

  1. Invest in high-quality journalism: Focus on producing high-quality, accurate, and unbiased reporting.
  2. Develop a strong brand reputation: Establish a reputation for fairness, impartiality, and accuracy.
  3. Use visual cues effectively: Use graphics, images, and anchors to create a professional and trustworthy visual presentation.
  4. Present diverse perspectives: Offer diverse perspectives and balance in reporting to appeal to a broader audience.
  5. Engage with audiences: Encourage audience engagement and participation through social media, online forums, and other channels.
  6. Monitor and respond to feedback: Monitor audience feedback and respond promptly to concerns and criticisms.
  7. Invest in transparency and accountability: Provide transparency in reporting and hold journalists accountable for their work.

By implementing these strategies, news organizations can increase audience perception of credibility on television and build trust with their viewers.

References:

Eveland, W. P., & Hasebrink, U. (2013). Effects of news source credibility on audience perceptions of news. Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, 57(2), 143-162.

Garrett, R. K. (2009). Politically motivated distortion: Effects of values on the assessment of factual news. Journal of Communication, 59(2), 317-335.

Kiousis, S. (2001). Interactivity: A concept explication. New Media & Society, 3(3), 355-375.

Stroud, N. J. (2011). Niche news and the erosion of mainstream audiences. Communication Research, 38(1), 47-65.