Horse Race Journalism

Written By Jonathan Milner

Journalism that focuses on who is winning or ahead in the polls rather than on candidates' policy agenda or debates. The ups and downs of political contests between candidates are often more dramatic than policy debates, so the media focuses more on the former than the latter. Critics argue that this devalues politics by reducing the importance of policy. Others contend that raising awareness of the contest between candidates can increase transparency and political participation, particularly during parties’ candidate selection process.

Example

 
 

Questions

  1. What does horse race journalism mean?

  2. How does horse race journalism in the media affect citizen perceptions of politics?

  3. When journalists focus on the state of election polling, what are they often not focusing on?

  4. Which is easier and cheaper: horse race journalism or investigative journalism?

  5. To what extent does “horse race” journalism have a positive or negative impact on political efficacy and participation?

  6. What emoji best exemplifies the meaning of horse race journalism?

  7. Is May Ninth by Khruangbin (below) an example of horse race journalism?

Remember!

Now, let’s commit this term to our long-term memory. On a scrap piece of paper, take 10 or 20 seconds to draw Horse Race Journalism. Draw with symbols or stick figures if you wish. Nothing fancy. Don’t expect a masterpiece. No one else will see this but you. Look at your drawing. That’s all - now it’s downloaded into your memory. Destroy the piece of paper in a most delightful way.

Further Review

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Jonathan Milner

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