PEJ News Coverage Index: Apr. 5 - 11, 2010, Mine Accident Captivates Media

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PEJ News Coverage Index: Apr. 5 - 11, 2010, Mine Accident Captivates Media

The worst U.S. mining accident in four decades – and related questions of mine safety – led news coverage in the mainstream media last week. 

During the week of April 5-11, 17% of the newshole was devoted to the explosion in a West Virginia mine that killed 29 workers, according to the Pew Research Center's Project for Excellence in Journalism.  

That was about twice the press attention given to the next biggest story, the U.S. economy. Coverage of labor statistics, the strains on local government, federal oversight of banks, and other stories comprised 8% of the week's news coverage.

At No. 3 for the week was Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens' announcement that he would retire after 35 years on the court. The media devoted 7% of the newshole to the announcement, Stevens' career, and who might replace him. 

Read the full report Mine Accident Captivates Media on the Pew Research Center's Project for Excellence in Journalism Web site.

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