The BBC and other media outlets played a part in weakening the UK economy with their reporting of the credit crunch, according to a survey of public opinion.
Eighty-five per cent of respondents to a LEWIS PR survey believe the media played a role in worsening the economic crisis, while 78 per cent believe they have seen speculation reported as fact by major news outlets.
The research, based on 500 responses, also found 64 per cent of respondents believe financial journalists should be bound by a code of conduct handed down by an organisation such as the Financial Services Authority.
The research was carried out last week while some of the UK's leading business journalists faced a grilling from the Treasury Select Committee over their reporting of the crisis. Of those who were summoned to appear before the Committee, the BBC’s Robert Peston was cited by 52 per cent of respondents as being most to blame for fueling the financial crisis. Just over a quarter of respondent singled out the Daily Mail’s Alex Brummer.
On a more positive note, 97 per cent of respondents believe the media can have a positive impact on leading the UK out of recession.
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