The Media's Role in the 2024 Election: A Call for Informed Voting

By Valarie R. Austin, August 3rd, 2024, 6:30 AM EDT

(Previously Published on LinkedIn)

As we approach the 2024 U.S. Presidential General Election on November 5th, it is crucial to revisit the media's role in shaping voter opinions. Despite potential fatigue from ongoing campaign coverage, it is essential for all voters, especially young and first-time voters, to remain engaged. The political landscape has shifted dramatically, with President Joe Biden stepping down and Vice President Kamala Harris becoming the presumptive Democratic nominee. A July 23, 2024, CNN Business article opined that President Biden would still be the candidate if "he enjoyed the support of a blindly loyal propagandistic news media." This sudden shift underscores the importance of rigorous media scrutiny of all candidates, regardless of their position or party affiliation.

Beyond Surface-Level Reporting: The Media's Crucial Role

Mainstream media outlets often forego the in-depth analysis necessary for voters to make informed decisions. Current coverage frequently focuses on surface-level aspects such as fundraising totals, polling numbers, and historical "firsts." While these factors have their place, they should not be the primary focus. Comprehensive analysis should provide insights about candidates' positions and plans from live news interviews and town halls, including:

1. Policy Proposals: Detailed breakdowns of how candidates plan to address major issues such as healthcare reform, climate change mitigation, and economic recovery.
2. Voting Records and Past Performance: A candidate's history can provide insight into their true priorities and decision-making processes.
3. Foreign Policy Stances: How do candidates plan to handle complex international situations?
4. Economic Plans: Detailed analysis of candidates' economic policies, addressing inflation, job creation, and income inequality.
5. Social Issues: Where do candidates stand on pressing social issues like racial equality, LGBTQ+ rights, or gun control?
6. Long-term Vision: What is each candidate's long-term vision for America, addressing challenges like an aging population, technological disruption, or climate change?


This in-depth analysis helps voters understand not just what candidates say, but how they think. Recent polling data from NPR's June 5, 2024, GenForward poll reveals that economic issues, particularly inflation and economic growth, are top priorities for young voters. However, they also care about threats to democracy, climate change, student debt, gun regulation, healthcare reform, and international conflicts.

The Echo Chamber: Dangers of Controlled Narratives

A concerning trend is emerging where candidates limit their exposure to challenging questions, creating an echo chamber effect by:

o Avoiding interviews with potentially hostile press outlets
o Limiting town halls and open forums
o Focusing on speeches and political rallies to adoring crowds
o Reinforcing existing supporter bases while failing to reach undecided voters
o Avoiding necessary scrutiny of policies and plans


This approach ultimately disservices voters and the democratic process. For example, Vice President Harris risks letting the opposition control the narrative about her candidacy, while former President Trump's comments might not withstand the scrutiny of an aggressive press interview. His July 31st, 2024 appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists' Annual Convention (NABJ) showcased his thoughts on various subjects, fact-checked in real-time.

This is particularly problematic for young voters who may be experiencing their first presidential election and need exposure to a wide range of perspectives to form their political views.

Navigating the Information Landscape: Young Voters in Focus

According to the Pew Research Center, about 58% of Americans are following news about the U.S. Presidential candidates for 2024, with journalists and news organizations. For young and first-time voters, navigating this complex information landscape can be particularly challenging. To make informed decisions, young voters should seek out diverse, unbiased news sources, fact-check claims, and verify information before sharing. 

Conclusion: Your Vote, Your Voice

As voters, we must demand more from both candidates and media outlets. We should push for open press conferences and town halls, support journalism that asks tough questions, and engage with candidates on social media platforms. Young voters can participate by attending local political events, engaging in community discussions and encouraging peers to become informed voters.

Remember that your vote is your voice in shaping the future of our nation. Do not let media biases or candidate strategies dictate your decision. Seek out comprehensive information, engage in critical thinking, and make your choice based on substance rather than style. The strength of our democracy depends on informed citizens. Let us rise to the challenge and set a new standard for political engagement in the digital age.

 

Valarie R. Austin is the author of The Student’s Comprehensive Guide for College & Other Life Lessons. She has a wealth of knowledge on the subjects of career and college preparation. She also conducts career and college readiness workshops for high school students, parents and transitioning military members. Check out her author’s pages on https://www.linkedin/in/valarie-r-austin, https://www.goodreads.com/valarie_r_austin and https://www.amazon.com/author/valarie_r_austin. A Youtube.com review of her book can found at https://youtu.be/xy_GSHlJsa0. Copyright 2024, Vauboix Publishing LLC. (Article 4 of 4, summer 2024)