Thomas E. Patterson: "Informing The News: The Need For Knowledge-Based Journalism" (Diane Rehm Show)

Americans have access to more information than at any time in history. Yet surveys show widespread misunderstanding among the public on critical issues of the day. One example among many: at a point in the health care reform debate, about half of Americans falsely believed the bill included "death panels" to prematurely end the lives of seniors. In a new book, a Harvard professor looks at why Americans are so misinformed. He puts a good deal of blame on the media. With Fox News saying one thing and MS-NBC saying the opposite, it's little wonder Americans are confused. Diane talks with Thomas E. Patterson on how journalists can better serve the public.

Interview:  http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2013-11-25/thomas-e-patterson-informing-news-need-knowledge-based-journalism