Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Republicans Think Trayvon Coverage Overblown

But public is following it more closely than any other story

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 4, 2012 7:24 AM CDT

(Newser) – The drama surrounding Trayvon Martin's death has captivated the country, but a majority of Republicans (56%) believe the case is getting too much media coverage, as do a sizable chunk of white people (43%), according to a new Pew Poll. By contrast, only 25% of Democrats and 16% of blacks believe the story is overplayed. It "has emerged as a kind of flashpoint story that divides people," a Pew associate director tells the LA Times. "People have very different reactions based on race and ethnicity."

Despite the backlash in some quarters, the Trayvon story continues to fascinate: 30% said they were following the story more closely than any other, making it the public's story of the week for the second week running—the Supreme Court health care hearings lagged way behind, taking second with 15%. But Pew's analysis of media coverage shows that outlets devoted 19% of their coverage to the ObamaCare proceedings, compared to 18% to Trayvon.

Protesters hold signs demanding justice for Trayon Martin, as thousands gathered in downtown Miami, Sunday, April 1, 2012.
Protesters hold signs demanding justice for Trayon Martin, as thousands gathered in downtown Miami, Sunday, April 1, 2012.   (AP Photo/J Pat Carter)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
My TakeCLICK BELOW TO VOTE
7%
7%
5%
39%
8%
35%
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 138 comments
nostereotypes
Apr 7, 2012 1:16 PM CDT
So 43% of republicans do not think it is being over covered. 1 out of every 4 democrats and about 1 in 5 blacks surveyed think it is being over covered. I hope we the people are smart enough not to allow the liberal media to divide us by party, race, sex or class. Just because I am a white, heterosexual, protestant male does not necessarily mean I think/believe a certain way on any given issue. 
JerryCornelius
Apr 5, 2012 9:21 PM CDT
Little wannabe thug made the thug big leagues.
USLady
Apr 4, 2012 9:34 PM CDT
That is a lie! Another lie to try to blame on republicans! Republicans as well as other people are deeply troubled by the way this case was handled! it is insane how Zimmerman was not locked up, God bless the family an give them peace.And bring justice in a right way.But don't believe this lie they are trying to say about republicans! It is totally false!
 

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Timelines   |   POPSUGAR Tech   |   Business Insider   |   HuffPost Entertainment   |   NewsOne