Simulacrum and Cynicism: How New Media Shapes Political Discourse

“Competition pressures from the increasingly crowded infotainment genre force shows to progressively lower their level of political discourse, relying increasingly on elements like conflict, sensationalization, and humor in an attempt to attract and retain this new class of viewers. This “race to the bottom” of overly simplistic political discourse driven by new political media’s incentives is still amplified by the incentives of the politicians using the mediums to engage the public.”

Editor's Picks, NationalCole MurphyJanuary 31, 2022News, Media, Social, Social Media, Polarization, Editor's PickComment

America Ranks Lowest in Media Trust in Recent Reuters Report

“A recent report from the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at Oxford University found that the United States has the lowest level of overall trust in the news among those 46 countries surveyed. What is the problem and how can American institutions solve it?”

Editor's Picks, NationalNoah GottliebNovember 29, 2021Media, Social Media, United States of America, Polarization, Editor's PickComment

Trump Was the Media’s Lifeline. What Will They Do Now?

“Throughout Trump’s presidency, the media repeatedly faced backlash from conservatives and Trump supporters due to their alleged bias and vendetta against President Trump. However, now that Trump is no longer president and does not have his platform, the media will need to find another method to attract viewers. This might prove to be difficult for some outlets considering they have spent the last four years focusing on Trump and his Administration in more or less wall to wall coverage.“

NationalSeth MooreJanuary 30, 2021Trump, MediaComment

Prepare for a New Kind of Election Night News Coverage

“The pandemic has changed a lot about this year’s election — from how we vote to what we value — but perhaps the greatest change of all will come on Election Night. An influx of mail-in ballots means vote counting will be slower. The process could take days, maybe even weeks, and for the first time in a long time, November 3rd could come and go without an agreed upon winner.”

2020 ElectionAddison SkigenNovember 2, 2020Election Night, MediaComment