Title: Six ways the media influence elections | School of Journalism and Communication
Headings: Six ways the media influence elections
Six ways the media influence elections
1. To cover or not to cover
2. Bias, scripts and the polarization of America
3. Social media: Echo chamber and direct line to the masses
4. A picture is worth 1,000 words
5. Data journalism: Fact-checking, polls and the self-perpetuating cycle
6. Watchdogs of democracy

Content: With social media, voters may believe they have an intimate relationship with a candidate they will probably never meet in person,” said Lawrence. And candidates have unprecedented control over the images they present. “ Social media allow candidates a direct means by which to communicate with the voting public, thereby bypassing the news media as a gatekeeper,” Dahmen said. 4. A picture is worth 1,000 words
For most people, visuals carry an even more powerful impact than words on a page. “Visual communication research has shown that images, especially of political candidates, convey emotions, actions, realism and credibility,” said Dahmen. “ These images form a lasting impression in the mind of the voting public.” The photos news organizations choose to publish and such factors as their size and layout can also influence voter perceptions — and reveal possible bias. “Look at how different newspapers across the country presented the story of the nomination of Hillary Clinton as the first female candidate from a major party,” said Dahmen. “ Some led with a dominant photograph of Hillary that positioned her in a favorable light.