Political news involves reporting on and analyzing events, issues and candidates that influence the government, politics, and laws at local, state or national levels. This can range from presidential candidates and congressional elections to ballot initiatives and referendums. It can involve news of public interest such as a lawsuit by a local resident against the city council or the release of prisoners from custody. It can also include the behind-the-scenes activity of legislators and bureaucrats who create laws, budgets and programs.
A key function of journalism is to serve as society’s watchdog and expose government activities that are corrupt, incompetent or mismanaged. Journalists can share their personal opinions in opinion pieces, but they should strive for objectivity and impartiality in news coverage. This is particularly important when covering political events or politicians, since their personal feelings may color the way they report on them.
When asked which sources they turn to for election or campaign news, seven-in-ten Americans cite television as their main source. Among adults ages 18 to 49, the internet well outpaces radio and rivals newspapers as a major source of this kind of news.
Of those who name a particular outlet as their primary source of news on politics, women are more likely than men to say they rely on The New York Times (29%). Those ages 30 to 49 are most likely to name CBS (70%), MSNBC (67%), or Fox News (58%). And those ages 50 and older are most likely to identify NPR as their main source.
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