The framing of news stories, particularly in political reporting, as a competition, focusing on strategy, tactics, and the relative standing of candidates or entities, rather than substantive policy issues. An example includes reporting on campaign polls, fundraising totals, and endorsements to illustrate which candidate is “winning” or “losing,” often overshadowing the candidates’ platforms and proposed legislation.
This approach can impact public understanding of important issues and may influence voter behavior. It often leads to reduced focus on the details of proposed policies, potentially hindering informed decision-making at the ballot box. Historically, this style of reporting has been observed across numerous elections, demonstrating a preference for narratives centered on competition and perceived victories over the thorough examination of policy details.
