"Journalists" not fooling the public--Editor & Publisher, 8/1/07

CHICAGO- "Hang down your head, journalist -- your fellow Americans don't think your career is much to be proud of.

• The annual Harris Poll measuring public perceptions of 23 professions and occupations came out Wednesday -- and you can find journalists in the Bottom Ten. Just 13% of the 1,100 U.S. adults surveyed in June and July said the occupation of journalist had "very great prestige," while 16% said it had "hardly any prestige at all." The plurality of respondents, 47%, grudging conceded there was "some prestige" in being a journalist.

Contrast that to America's most prestigious occupation, firefighter. Fully 61% of those surveyed said that job had "very great prestige." Journalists were rated ahead of just seven other occupations: union leader, stockbroker, entertainer, accountant, banker, actor, and real estate agent/broker.

• In addition to firefighters, five occupations are perceived to have "very great" prestige by at least half of all adults -- scientists (54%); teachers (54%); doctors (52%); military officers (52%); and nurses (50%)."

• Article by Mark Fitzgerald, Editor & Publisher, 8/1/07, "Still Don't Get No Respect: Poll Finds Journos at Bottom of Prestige Jobs"