Exploring Media Credibility: How Media and Nonmedia Workers Judged Media Performance in Iran/Contra

Abstract

A survey of journalism school graduates compares attitudes toward Iran/Contra of those working in the media and those employed outside the media. Media personnel were more likely to criticize Iran/Contra coverage, but were also more likely to defend reporters against charges that the media covered the event unfairly. Both groups said the media treated President Ronald Reagan fairly, but both groups also criticized reporters for not delving more deeply into the case. Ideology and support for Reagan, however, were the strongest predictors of opinion regarding media performance and Reagan's behavior in Iran/Contra.