Is Mass Media Choosing Our President?
When backing a candidate for high office, whether you’re a Democrat, Republican or third party, it often comes down to a difficult choice: the candidate who most reflects your values and positions or the candidate who stands the best chance of winning.
In the long, drawn-out horse race of the modern American Presidential campaign, mass media coverage drives voters’ perceptions: Whoever is given the most attention as a “serious contender” gains momentum and greater market share—just like a new snack or cell phone rolled out with maximum advertising.
The mass media is definitely playing a role with its “free” advertising, but not on a level playing field. All of the major networks have given Donald Trump wall-to-wall publicity, more than any other candidate, due to his ludicrous, ridiculous remarks. Networks, for the sake of ratings, have crammed this cartoonish candidate right down our throats.
