Survey examines burnout in news industry

NEWS AND OPINION:

Politicians and public figures are not the only people who are the subjects of complex polls and surveys.

Make room for journalists.

The Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute, or RJI, at the Missouri School of Journalism will conduct a “groundbreaking survey” about “burnout in the news industry.”

Is there such a thing? Apparently so.

“An estimated 70% of journalists have experienced work-related burnout, with experts saying younger journalists are at higher risk. At a time when new technology, changing revenue models and a crisis of public trust are contributing to a rapid pace of change in journalism, RJI and [the research firm] SmithGeiger seek to gain on-the-ground insights from journalists about the issues that lead some to exit the profession while others thrive,” a news release announcing the project said.

“The pandemic brought the issue of burnout into focus for a lot of people, but the underlying factors that lead to high stress, exhaustion and trauma have not gone away. Just like a good reporter would do, we wanted to go directly to the source and see what journalists have to say about their work environment,” said Randy Picht, executive director of the institute.

“My hope is that news organizations will view this survey as the first step in a more targeted and informed approach to battling burnout. I’m excited to see insights from the survey turn into real practices and policies that benefit working journalists,” he said.

McCARTHY SURGES FORWARD

A former House speaker has stepped up to an extremely active role.

“McCarthy raises record $78 million for House GOP, announces $15.3 million third quarter fundraising haul,” according to a terse announcement sent to Inside the Beltway — from none other than Rep. Kevin McCarthy, California Republican.

“Thank you to the many Americans who have stepped up to show their support for the House Republican majority,” he said in a written statement.

“These resources are being used to combat the radical left and recruit strong, dynamic conservative candidates from coast to coast. As the election year draws closer, I remain committed to doing everything in my power to protect our House majority and return America to its proper standing in the world,” he said.

Mr. McCarthy also introduced some legislation last month. That would be the Space Transformation and Reliability (STAR) Act, which debuted Sept. 21.

“When NASA completed the first Space Shuttle mission in 1981 at Edwards Air Force Base, Shuttle commander John Young declared ‘The dream is alive.’ Today, as we usher in a new era of space flight with the commercial space industry leading the way, I am proud to say that dream lives on. As we look to the century and beyond, the commercial space industry is crucial to advancing U.S. national security and scientific discovery, and I am confident that the STAR Act will help continue to provide this industry with additional time to fly, innovate, and grow.” Mr. McCarthy said in a statement at the time.

RELENTLESS RESEARCH

The Republican National Committee makes the case that President Biden’s chances of being reelected in 2024 grow more fragile with each poll.

“Americans do not give President Biden high marks on anything. That includes his handling of the Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel — of which a clear majority of Americans express disapproval,” said Jake Schneider, the RNC’s director of rapid response.

Mr. Biden is “underwater on literally every single important issue,” he said in a written statement to Inside the Beltway.

Mr. Schneider combed through an ABC News/Ipsos poll and compiled these tepid findings gauging Mr. Biden’s approval on specific issues.

He received 26% approval on immigration/border security, 29% approval on inflation, 32% approval on gun violence, 33% approval on crime and 33% approval on dealing with Iran.

The president also received 36% approval on the economy, 39% approval on climate change, 39% approval on abortion, 41% approval on the Ukraine-Russia war and 41% approval on the Israel-Hamas war.

“Mr. Biden didn’t earn a majority — or even a plurality — on a single issue in the poll,” Mr. Schneider wrote.

“Of course, Americans aren’t stupid; they know his record consists mostly of failure. Mr. Biden can’t — or won’t — secure the border, tame inflation, stop violent crime, crack down on Iran, or strengthen the economy,” he said.

The poll of 518 U.S. adults was conducted Oct. 13-14.

REINCE PRIEBUS HAS A SAY

A well-known name in GOP circles is still happy to chat with loyal, local and energetic Republicans.

Reince Priebus — former White House chief of staff under former President Donald Trump and a former Republican National Committee chairman — will speak Thursday at the Montgomery County Republicans’ sold-out Lincoln Day Dinner. The Maryland organization boasts some 250,000 Republican and independent members living just north of the nation’s capital.

“Topics include: How will we take back the White House? The Senate? Expand our majority in Congress with a new Speaker? Capture mail-in ballots better than the Dems do?” the group said in advance information shared with Inside the Beltway.

Yes — how will they do these things? Perhaps Mr. Priebus will enlighten these Republicans — and Inside the Beltway too.

POLL DU JOUR

• 86% of U.S. adults say they will purchase Halloween candy.

• 65% say they will spend the same amount on candy this year as they did in 2022.

• 59% say inflation has had no impact on their plans to purchase Halloween candy.

• 57% will buy their candy at a mass merchandiser like Walmart or Target.

• 48% will buy candy less than a week before Halloween.

• 45% will spend $1-25 on candy, 34% will spend $26-50.

• 16% will spend $51-100 on candy, 5% will spend $101 or more.

SOURCE: An Advantage Solutions of 1,000 U.S. adults who are their household’s primary grocery shoppers and who celebrate Halloween, conducted Sept. 5-7 and released Oct. 3.

• Follow Jennifer Harper on X @HarperBulletin, and on Facebook at HarperUniverse.