|
WMU Home > About WMU > WMU News > Radio News Service 
News coverage of the 2008 presidential raceMay 8, 2008 Wrap, suggested lead: Some have criticized the news media's coverage of the 2008 presidential race. As Mark Schwerin reports, some of the criticism is justified. (1:05/Schwerin/STD) Who's in the lead has emerged as the main storyline in the 2008 presidential race. Criticism that the news media isn't doing a good job of exploring the issues is warranted, says Dr. Sandra Borden, a WMU associate professor of communication. (:39/Borden........................more substantive.) Borden says information on the candidates' stances on key issues is there, but people have to dig for it. From Western Michigan University, I'm Mark Schwerin. Actualities: CUT ONE: Borden says the last debate between Democratic candidates was a good example of the news media asking questions about non-issues. (:27/Borden.......................of the issues.) CUT TWO: Borden says it's partly human nature to zero in on narrative storylines, but it also reflects the interests of our celebrity culture. (:42/Borden......................kind of coverage.) CUT THREE: Borden says the attention paid to front-runners makes it hard for other candidates to get any traction, which further diminishes their coverage. (:39/Borden......................inequality of treatment.) For additional comments or an interview with Borden, call
(269) 387-0362. WMU Radio News Service Media contact: Mark Schwerin, 269 387-8400, mark.schwerin@wmich.edu |