Mainstream media faces criticism from all sides as the 2024 U.S. electoral cycle approaches, with its role in shaping public opinion and democracy under scrutiny.

At a Glance

• The media’s role in shaping public opinion during elections is under scrutiny
• Three-quarters of U.S. voters feel democracy is under threat
• Critics argue partisanship undermines media credibility
• Media outlets face backlash for perceived bias and “bothsidesism”
• Calls for media to prioritize truth over neutrality and provide context in reporting

The Media’s Influence on Democracy

As the United States approaches another pivotal electoral cycle, the role of mainstream media in shaping public opinion and its impact on democracy has come under intense scrutiny. The media’s influence on elections is substantial, with the power to alter voter perceptions and potentially sway election outcomes. Critics argue that instead of remaining neutral and

objective, many outlets have become partisan, influencing their coverage decisions and

ultimately affecting election outcomes. This influence extends beyond mere reporting, encompassing decisions about which candidates to cover and how much airtime to give them.

The media’s coverage choices can significantly impact voter recognition and perceptions of candidates. Economic factors often drive disproportionate coverage, as seen in previous election cycles. “As hard as it is to believe, the biggest thing that drives elections is simple name recognition,” said Regina Lawrence executive director of the University of Oregon SOJC’s Agora Journalism Center. This imbalance in media attention can create a self-perpetuating cycle, where increased coverage leads to higher poll numbers, which in turn generates more media interest.

Criticism from All Sides

Major news outlets are facing criticism from across the political spectrum. There is growing frustration from once-loyal liberal readers and journalists towards mainstream media, while right-wing critics continue to voice their discontent. “What is new and striking is the current wave of grievances regarding political coverage coming from once-devoted liberal readers as well as experienced journalists,” wrote journalist Jeff Jarvis in his recent article, “Why are Liberals Infuriated with the Media?” This has led to a crisis of credibility for many media organizations, as they struggle to navigate the complex landscape of partisan politics and public opinion.

The practice of “bothsidesism,” where media platforms give equal weight to contrasting viewpoints regardless of factual support, has also come under fire. Critics argue that this approach can undermine democratic norms by presenting distorted equivalencies between what is true and false. Disputes have also arisen around “fact checking” and “misinformation” from media organizations for failing to provide necessary context or misrepresenting one side’s position. Some media leaders have dismissed valid criticism from the center and left, further exacerbating tensions within newsrooms and among their audience.

The Challenge of Partisan Audiences

Media outlets often attract partisan audiences, reflecting and reinforcing political biases. This phenomenon contributes to the ongoing polarization of the American electorate. The rise of social media has further complicated this issue, creating echo chambers where users are exposed primarily to information that aligns with their existing beliefs. This tendency is referred to as selective exposure, where audiences seek out news sources that “don’t fundamentally challenge what we believe about the world.”

The challenge for mainstream media lies in breaking through these partisan barriers and providing factual, balanced reporting that can inform voters across the political spectrum. This task is made more difficult by the prevalence of simplified or biased media narratives which can skew public perception of candidates and issues.

The Path Forward

As the 2024 election approaches, there is a growing call for mainstream media to redefine its approach to reporting. Prioritizing truth over neutrality and embracing constructive criticism are seen as essential steps in rebuilding trust with a fragmented audience. The media is urged to stand firm in the facts and provide necessary context in its reporting, particularly when covering complex political issues.

As the nation grapples with concerns about the state of its democracy, with 62% of Americans believing the government primarily benefits elites rather than the common good, the role of a robust and trusted media becomes increasingly vital. The challenge for mainstream media in the upcoming electoral cycle will be to navigate these complex issues while maintaining their integrity and commitment to informing the public.