The American Journalist survey is conducted by researchers at Indiana University's School of Journalism. The first study was done in 1971. Every decade since, American journalists have been surveyed. The most recent study provides comparisons for 1971, 1982, 1992, and 2002.

The most recent study is based on telephone interviews with 1,149 U.S. print and broadcast journalists during the summer and fall of 2002.

American Journalist Survey—Key Findings

1. Traditional Journalists Are Getting Older
   
   
2. Women Journalists Aren't Increasing Overall
   
   
3. Journalists of Color Are Slowly Increasing
   
   
4. Journalists Are More Likely to Be College Graduates
   
   
5. Median Income Climbs to Nearly $43,600
   
   
6. Fewer Journalists Say They Are Democrats
   
   
7. Job Satisfaction Rises, But Not to Its Old Peak
   
   
8. Journalistic Values Persist Despite Profit Pressure
   
   
9. Training Is the Biggest Influence on News Judgment
   
   
10. Government ‘Watchdog' Role Increases
    
    
11. Importance of Getting Out Information Quickly Drops
    
    
12. Reaching a Mass Audience Continues to Decline
    
    
13. Civic Journalism Embraced, But Cautiously
    
    
14. Fewer Justify Undercover Reporting
    
    
15. Fewer Using Personal Documents Without Permission
    
    
16. Internet Changes the Way News is Gathered

Source: Poynteronline: The Face and Mind of the American Journalist