Published: August 03, 1999
Last Updated: January 03, 2000
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Table 40 NEWS JUDGMENT "Let's say that in an election year, several news organizations learn that a candidate has had an extra-marital affair 10 years earlier. These news organizations did not publish this information because it had nothing to do with the candidate's qualifications or current behavior. Do you think they made the right decision, or do you think they should have made this information available to the public?" Total Public Right decision not to publish 68% Should have published it 24 It depends/don't know/not sure 8 "In the course of covering a gubernatorial election, you find out that one of the candidates had an extra-marital affair 10 years earlier. If he or she was a front-runner with a very good chance of winning, do you pursue and publish the story?" Total Newsroom Definitely 11% Probably 26 Probably not 41 Definitely not 7 Not sure 15 "If the candidate was not a front-runner -- but so far back in the pack that he or she had no realistic chance of winning -- do you pursue and publish the story?" Total Newsroom Definitely 6% Probably 19 Probably not 47 Definitely not 18 Not sure 10