The media is a powerful source of information and commentary. Whether it’s reporting on a celebrity scandal or breaking news of an earthquake, the way the news is reported often has significant implications for the lives of citizens and communities.
In the United States, for example, media coverage is considered to be one of the biggest determining factors in who will be the Democratic and Republican presidential nominees. Candidates who receive a large amount of media coverage build momentum in the early primaries and caucuses and are more likely to win the nomination. This is especially true when a candidate has a unique or compelling story, like being a war veteran or having a political family legacy.
Moreover, when news is presented to the public, how the stories are framed can influence the beliefs and attitudes of individuals and their voting decisions. For instance, research has shown that the frequency of positive versus negative economic news has a direct impact on people’s expectations about the economy.
Other studies have analyzed how different news frames (episodic vs thematic) can affect how people view and think about issues, such as homelessness. Episodic frames tend to elicit more sympathy, while thematic frames can leave people feeling disconnected and less sympathetic.
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