Rasmussen has a fresh poll out on the topic of media bias. This is a poll of the public, not reporters. The poll makes some interesting comparison between the perceived influence of big media and big money in politics. Surprisingly, a majority think media bias is the bigger problem:

Fifty-five percent (55%) of U.S. voters continue to think that media bias is a bigger problem in politics today than big campaign contributions, identical to the finding in August 2008. Thirty-two percent (32%) say big contributions are the bigger problem, but that’s down four points from the previous survey.

There is a clear partisan split in the poll numbers:

Sixty-eight percent (68%) of Republicans and 62% of unaffiliated voters say media bias is the bigger problem in politics, a view shared by just 37% of Democrats.

This makes perfect sense given how the public views reporters:

Fifty-one percent (51%) of voters say the average reporter is more liberal than they are. Eighteen percent (18%) say that reporter is more conservative…

But here’s the part I find really interesting: (more…)

A revealing report released today by Rasmussen regarding voters’ perception of media bias:

• 67% say media has too much influence on government
• 20% say most reporters try to offer unbiased campaign coverage
• 72% say they try to help their candidate win
• 51% say average reporter is more liberal than they are
• 18% say average reporter is more conservative

Also from the study:

Surveys in 2009 found that the majority believe the media has made the economy, global warming and swine flu appear to be worse than they really are.

(more…)