Today we discussed the fact that elections often are viewed by the media in the same manner as horse races. Unfortunately, I am pessimistic enough to believe that the media promotes the elections solely for their own gain. Dr. Reynolds of the University of Delaware presents data that shows that in media coverage of the 1988 elections, 29% of all television coverage was devoted toward the political "horse race." I cannot with certainty say where these numbers come from (Dr. Reynolds does not mention any original data or statistical analysis), but they do seem reasonable for current election "horse racing." While "horse racing" provides little substance, it would be correct to say that the public at large actually wants to hear about how one candidate is beating another. "Horse racing" is entertainment and viewers pay the bills for the media. Since people are accepting of such practices, I fear we will not see the day when "horse racing" in elections comes to an end.
Source: http://www.udel.edu/htr/American/Texts/news.html
I agree that the public wants to hear the "horse race" coverage. It is more entertaining to hear about who won the debate, or who is ahead at this moment in time. It keeps people from having to think about the issues and evaluate which candidate is better for the position. The "horse race" coverage turns the election into more of a sport, pitting one side against another for no valid reason since the candidates' policies are often not covered.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with you. I feel that I should be surprised with how much people enjoy this "Horse race" mentality, but by looking at the statistical analysis, I am not at all shocked. More information is too much information for the media. Pew and Harvard University did a study in five months in 2007 when the horse race of the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primary approached. It found that only 17% focused on the personal biography of the candidates, 63% of the campaign stories focused on political and tactical aspects compared to 15% that focused on the candidates’ ideas and policy proposals. There was also just 1% of stories in the media that studied the candidates’ records or past performance. And then people are upset when a candidate is put into office. Too late by then.
ReplyDeleteHey, we like our competition!
http://scienceblogs.com/framing-science/2007/12/31/horse-race-coverage-the-politi/