Press and Campaigns
Press’ Incentives Publishers, Editors, and Journalists
Publishers To make money Attract advertisers Attract viewers/readers/hits Keep the news short, simple, and entertaining Personal agenda
Editors Increase readership/viewership/hits –Drama, conflict, the horserace Be well thought of by peers –Herd journalism Win awards –Focus on scandal Beat other organizations to the story –Reporters with good connections Personal agenda
Journalists Meet deadlines Tell a story Be respected by peers Personal agenda
How does the president try to control the press? Pick issues to emphasize & stay on message Hire personnel to “feed and care for” the press Keep a thirty second story in mind Train reporters with carrots and sticks
As you watch the movie, think about: How do campaign reporters experience the campaign? How does that affect their coverage? What can the campaign do to influence news coverage? What information does the resulting coverage convey to the public?