PEJ News Coverage Index: Jan. 7 - 12, 2007, Iraq Policy Debate Dominates But Celebrity Coverage Held Its Own

Report Read time:
PEJ News Coverage Index: Jan. 7 - 12, 2007, Iraq Policy Debate Dominates But Celebrity Coverage Held Its Own

The debate over what to do next in Iraq thoroughly dominated the news landscape last week, according to the PEJ News Coverage Index.

In the second week of the new year (January 7-12, 2007) Iraq policy filled 34% of the overall newshole and was the top story in all five media sectors - newspapers, online, network TV, cable and radio. That was followed by events in Congress and Somalia, and two other Iraq-related stories, but none of these even reached double digits in the main Index.

In a week of deadly serious events, there was still a California-sized helping of celebrity journalism as well. The Malibu wildfires were the sixth-biggest story largely because one of the destroyed homes belonged to "Three's Company" star and ThighMaster pitchwoman Suzanne Somers. That overshadowed an event that affected millions more Californians, the unveiling of Governor Schwarzenegger's $12 billion health care plan, which finished in tenth place. (The health care story was even topped by news that fabulously famous British soccer star and Posh Spice husband David Beckham had accepted an Alex Rodriguez-like $250 million to play in Los Angeles. Beckham was the seventh biggest story, with cable paying the most attention.)

Read the full article and view charts on the Project for Excellence in Journalism Web site.

America’s Overdose Crisis
America’s Overdose Crisis

America’s Overdose Crisis

Sign up for our five-email course explaining the overdose crisis in America, the state of treatment access, and ways to improve care

Sign up
Quick View
America’s Overdose Crisis

America’s Overdose Crisis

Sign up for our five-email course explaining the overdose crisis in America, the state of treatment access, and ways to improve care

Sign up

MORE FROM PEW

Rain pours down on a fishing vessel at sea, while waves splash the deck. Fishers in orange and red rain jackets work to secure buckets and green fishing nets. How the Cape Town Agreement Can Improve Fisher Safety
A person in wader boots stands in shallow water with partially submerged vegetation and dips a yellow ruler into the water. Bushes and a blue sky with clouds fill in the background. How States Can Develop Blue Carbon Programs
A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter and ship approach two wind turbines in clear ocean waters under sunny blue skies. At COP28 Climate Summit, Local Leaders Take Center Stage
Getty Images Small Businesses in PA Support State Retirement Savings
Composite image of modern city network communication concept

Learn the Basics of Broadband from Our Limited Series

Sign up for our four-week email course on Broadband Basics
Quick View

How does broadband internet reach our homes, phones, and tablets? What kind of infrastructure connects us all together? What are the major barriers to broadband access for American communities?

Pills illustration
Pills illustration

What Is Antibiotic Resistance—and How Can We Fight It?

Sign up for our four-week email series The Race Against Resistance.
Quick View
Pills illustration

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria, also known as “superbugs,” are a major threat to modern medicine. But how does resistance work, and what can we do to slow the spread? Read personal stories, expert accounts, and more for the answers to those questions in our four-week email series: Slowing Superbugs.