Broadcast workers oppose consolidation

Broadcast consolidation is lowering journalism standards, as focus shifts from quality product to the bottom line, according to a poll of cross-disciplinary journalism professionals commissioned by a group of trade unions. Members of The Newspaper Guild (TNG) and National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians (NABET), both part of Communications Workers of America, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) and Writers Guild of America are among the group polled.

Among the findings are these:

* 82% of respondents said ratings and circulation considerations were having too much influence of what is covered.

* 79% said credibility with the public was eroding

* 74% said coverage of community events was suffering

* 73% said incomplete and erratic reporting was on the upswing

* 72% think complex issues are getting short shrift

* 69% said the influence of corporate owners is becoming excessive

* 62% said entertainment stories are trumping hard news

Forecasting the results of further consolidation, compilation of respondents' answers yielded these results:

* 86% said diversity of viewpoint would suffer

* 78% fear a continuing decline in news quality

* 86% said control of content would be in too few hands

* 79% said that corporate bias would continue to sneak into content

* 72% fear continuing declines in local coverage

Washington firm Lauer Research polled a scientifically-selected pool from among 400 workers in television, radio and newspaper, including reporters, editors, anchors, writers, artists, technicians and producers.