A new poll released Monday by Quinnipiac University found that “FOX News offers the most trusted network and cable news coverage” among the major TV news outlets, but then called the network's credibility into question by comparing NBC News' Brian Williams to Fox News Channel's Bill O'Reilly.
With a total of 29 percent, Fox News received the most votes of confidence among major TV news outlets:
- FOX News – 29 percent
- CNN – 22 percent
- NBC News – 10 percent
- CBS News – 10 percent
- ABC News – 7 percent
- MSNBC – 7 percent
So far as Republican voters go,
"In the comparison chart, FOX News is definitely the Republican choice as 58 percent of GOP voters say they trust FOX the most," reports Quinnipiac University National Poll, "while 13 percent turn to CNN, with 7 percent each for NBC and CBS, 5 percent for ABC and 2 percent for MSNBC."
Not surprisingly, "Only 3 percent of Democrats trust FOX the most, with 32 percent for CNN, 15 percent for NBC, 14 percent each for CBS and MSNBC, and 8 percent for ABC."
QU also surveyed Americans about NBC News specifically in light of the recent Brian Williams scandal.
When asked whether the network should allow Brian Williams to return to anchor “NBC Nightly News,” 42 percent of voters said yes. A total of 35 percent said no.
QU juxtaposed the Williams question to a similar question regarding Fox News' Bill O’Reilly, suggesting that his credibility, like that of Williams, “has been challenged as inaccurate by a number of news outlets.”
The poll asked participants the following:
"Fox News host Bill O'Reilly's depiction of his past reporting has been challenged as inaccurate by a number of news outlets. Do you think Bill O'Reilly should be fired, or should be suspended, or should be allowed to continue at Fox News, or haven't you heard enough about it?
The majority of voters (51 percent) said they “haven’t heard enough” to decide one way or the other.
"Bring back Uncle Walter, as Brian Williams and Bill O'Reilly get lukewarm support for their journalistic indiscretions,” Tim Malloy said, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Poll.
“American news watchers long for an era where the person in the big chair could be truly trusted.”
The national poll also surveyed whom voters would like to see replace Jon Stewart on “The Daily Show.”
“30 Rock” actress and comedian Tina Fey was the top choice with 19 percent of votes, radio host Dennis Miller following closely behind with 16 percent, John Oliver with 8 percent, Brian Williams and Craig Ferguson each with 7 percent, and Chelsea Handler with 5 percent.
(All charts via QU)