News Interest Index: Health Care Still the Summer's Dominant Story

Report Read time:
News Interest Index: Health Care Still the Summer's Dominant Story

Despite the emergence of several major international stories – including an election in war-ravaged Afghanistan and the release of the so-called Lockerbie bomber, the public continued to be focused on domestic news – particularly the ongoing debate over health care reform.  

Fully 45% say they followed health care developments more closely than any other story last week. That's about the same level as the previous week (46% most closely) and twice the percentage that say they followed reports about the condition of the economy most closely (21%).

Using a slightly different measure, half say they very closely followed news about the economy (50%) or the health care debate (49%), according to the latest weekly News Interest Index survey, conducted August 21-24 among 1,003 adults for the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press. Several significant events overseas attracted far less attention.

Nearly a quarter (23%) say they very closely followed news about Scotland's release of a terminally-ill Libyan imprisoned for his role in the bombing of a flight that exploded over  Lockerbie in 1988; 6% say this was the story they followed most closely. Another quarter say they very closely followed news about the current situation and events in Iraq; 4% say this was the story they followed most closely. A smaller share (14%) say they followed the presidential election in Afghanistan very closely; 3% say this was the story they followed most closely.

Read the full report Health Care Still the Summer's Dominant Story on the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press' 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.