By James Simons And Gavin Mackintosh-
The British press prioritize the sale of papers over integrity, according to a survey of 1,000 members of the public.
The finding emerged during a survey inquiring about the way the British press reported MP Diane Abbott’s complaint of racism and misogyny on Twitter in 2017. Members of the public were also asked why they thought the Daily Express Online had fabricated segments of an interview conducted with a relationship expert about Prince Harry’s relationship with his brother.
Among several different answers given, one that stood out was the tendency of the press to prioritize the sale of papers over true reporting with integrity. Members of the public chosen for the research included students from three Universities- Queen Mary University, South Bank University, and University of east London. Other random members of the public in pubs were also used for the survey.
85% of respondents said they believed the British press prioritised the sale of their papers over quality reporting in general. 73% said they did not believe most of what they read in the press, except reporting on court cases, crime watch , missing persons, and sports. They said they believed newspaper editors gave priority to publishing stories that would sell,over accurate and professional reporting. The other 12% said they believed the stories in the press were generally true, but that journalists sometimes make up things to spice up their stories.
Of the 85% who said they believed the British press were more interested in selling their papers over reporting accurate stories, 25% of them said they believed the British press are themselves racist, which is why they failed to criticise Ms Abbott’s attackers. The other 60% said the press simply did not care or think about what they were doing because they do not find the Labour Mp to be professionally competent, adding that it had nothing to do with them being racist.
1o % of those interviewed said the British press are under pressure to produce stories, so go for the easy pick where possible, with the remaining 5% giving miscellaneous reasons for the incompetent reporting of Abbott’s racist complaint about her ordeal on twitter. The survey was conducted on various days over a four week period, sometimes taking up most of the day with writers and researchers out gathering information whilst also picking up on other areas of pursuit.
By the time the issue of aspects of fabrication made by The Daily Express Online came up, we were already well over half way through the research. Most respondents said the intensity of coverage on Meghan Markle was motivated by the sale of papers, but many said there is an added interest in Harry and Markle’s relationship because of the rift it has caused in Markle’s family. Many also said various perceptions about Meghan has likely influenced the interest in the press in covering her.
Despite the outcome of the survey, the views are not fully representative of all the British press. There are undoubtedly several sections of the media that have a genuine drive to report news fairly and factually, with a high level of professionalism.