Audience Poll Reveals TheLoop21.com and NewsOne.com Readers Overwhelmingly Say 'News Coverage of African-Americans Is Negative'

LOS ANGELES, March 16 /PRNewswire/ -- A "Truth in Media" audience poll of African-American internet users revealed that an overwhelming 80% believe the coverage of African-Americans in the news is "negative" and nearly 90% do not think mainstream news is "fair and balanced" in its coverage of African-Americans.  Readers of the TheLoop21.com and NewsOne.com, also indicated that "more reporting on the achievements by African-Americans" would cause them to spend more time watching, listening, and reading the news.

In a follow-up to the publication of the 2010 Journalism in Color "Race and the Media" survey results, which surveyed journalists, the "Truth in Media" poll, which surveyed internet users, gave users a chance to voice their opinions on how news coverage by the mainstream media affects racial perceptions.  Hundreds of readers at TheLoop21.com and NewsOne.com participated in the "Truth in Media" audience poll.

"The mainstream media bears a responsibility to society and to its audiences to provide fair and unbiased coverage of all issues, including in its coverage of race and culture.  But there is no industry standard for determining what is fair and unbiased that we can all look to other than what industry professionals and audiences believe.  That's why TheLoop21.com's surveys are so important," said Darrell Williams, Ph.D., and Publisher of TheLoop21.com.  

Internet users were also asked to assess the recent impact of racial coverage on race relations.  Users who participated in the audience poll were two times more likely to respond that mainstream media's coverage of racial issues during the past 12 months had "worsened" race relations than were journalists of color surveyed.

The "Truth in Media" audience poll and the "2010 Journalism in Color" survey of journalists were commissioned by TheLoop21.com to evaluate the attitudes of journalists of color and audiences regarding mainstream media since the election of the first African-American President.

To get more information go to www.TheLoop21.com.

About TheLoop21.com

TheLoop21.com is the premier online destination for in-depth analysis of economic and political news presented from the minority perspective.  TheLoop21.com not only highlights problems, but also offers insights and solutions, plus a platform where everyone is invited to join the conversation.  The site is an alternative to mainstream media with a mission to lead the discussion on economic progress for people of color.  For more information go to www.TheLoop21.com.

SOURCE TheLoop21.com