Some 56% of the media consumers in Moldova are dissatisfied with the lack of responsibility on the part of the mass media. The televised political debates, TV news bulletins and online media are most often affected by manipulation. These are the findings of an opinion poll commissioned by the Independent Journalism Center, IPN reports.
The poll shows that 51% of those surveyed consider they can spot a manipulating or propagandistic media product, while 47% are not ready to cope with manipulation. About 3/4 of those questioned said they know what manipulation is, but the figure decreases proportionally with the advancing of the age of the respondents or to the lower level of education.
The TV channels remain the main source of information in Moldova, being also the major source of manipulation. For 46% and, respectively 44% of those polled, the televised political debates and news bulletins are two types of programs where they can detect false information to a great and a very great extent. The online media rank third by the perception of false information on sociopolitical themes.
The selection of subjects that suit the media outlet owner is regarded as the most spread manipulation method. 32% of the respondents said this happens almost always, while 37% consider it happens often. The sensational titles, taking out of context, manipulating use of expert opinions and lie by omission are some of the manipulating techniques perceived by the respondents.
The survey was carried out by the Institute of Marketing and Polls IMAS between January 27 and February 1, 2016. It covered a sample of 826 respondents from 12 local areas.
