Trust and confidence

Count me among those who are disappointed.

Here’s one reason why.

According to a recent Gallup poll, the majority of Americans say they have little or no trust in the mass media to report the news fully, accurately and fairly.

Pollsters asked this question: “In general, how much trust and confidence do you have in the mass media (such as newspapers, TV, and radio) when it comes to reporting the news fully, accurately and fairly — a great deal, a fair amount, not very much, or none at all?”

Respondents hardly gave the media a ringing endorsement.

When combined, the categories of “not very much” and “none at all” totaled 57 percent — a record high for the poll.

The fact that Americans are skeptical is hardly surprising. And maybe even encouraging — at least when that skepticism is applied to the “mass media.”

Of course, closer to home, I can’t help but see the Gallup poll as harsh. If readers don’t trust the newspaper, obviously I’m concerned.

That’s why I’ll miss those online comments. They provided a window to reader suspicions — both for the staff and for other readers as well.

Unfortunately, the abuse of the privilege to comment eventually became intolerable for those trying to keep the site civil.