As the 2024 U.S. presidential Election looms closer, media coverage is increasing in the various regions of the country. Different channels are targeting different states and adjusting their content to regional problems and the nature of the competition in the key states. This article focuses on which channels are reporting the election campaign state by state, and what themes and tactics are being used by candidates and media.
National Analysis of Media Presence
Before the election, the major television channels including CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News covered the presidential candidates. These networks employ a combination of analytical programs, real-time broadcasts of rallies, and state-focused topics that appeal to local audiences.
As shown in Onclusive’s U. S. Presidential Election Media Impact Analysis 2024, Trump & Biden continue to be a focus of media attention, particularly Trump’s legal issues, which shape the voters’ perception and the campaign themes.
Exploring Media Coverage In the US
The election is expected to hinge on several key swing states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and North Carolina. These states have their peculiarities. Arizona is one of the most significant topics of discussion when it comes to immigration issues. Trump is campaigning vigorously here as he pledged to implement a strict immigration policy, while Biden supports the legalization of immigration. These issues are being covered by local news stations to the hilt and this is because the state has undergone a demographic change and is politically liberal.
Key Swing States and Their Coverage
- Georgia – Despite its critical part in the 2020 election, Georgia is still considered a swing state. The emphasis is made on the coverage of the voter turnout initiatives with an emphasis on African American voters. Television networks such as CNN and MSNBC are live from these events with a focus on the need to get out the vote in this diverse state.
- Michigan – It seems that the media in Michigan is dominated by economic topics given the increase in the prices of groceries and the fact that the state is important to presidential elections. Local media is keenly observing Biden’s support for Israel, which is an important issue of debate among the electorate.
- Nevada – Nevada is important for both candidates because about a quarter of its population is of Latino origin. Discussions here focus on the economy after COVID and both candidates have different plans for tax and employment. Local news sources are especially concerned with these matters about the general voter.
- Pennsylvania – Pennsylvania is one of the most important states in terms of electoral history and therefore it is experiencing high levels of ad spending and media attention. The most important ones are the economy, and increasing prices, both of which are hot topics addressed by the candidates, especially targeting the middle class.
- Wisconsin – Wisconsin state has been considered one of the states that may produce a third-party candidate and this may prove to be a major headache to both parties. There is much coverage of the effects of independent candidates such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in the traditional voting systems.
- North Carolina – North Carolina has been traditionally a Republican state, but demographic changes make it a swing state. The media is focusing on the state’s demographic shift and the two candidates’ stances on immigration and the economy.
Local Channels & Their Strategies
Local television stations are important in determining the perception the people have of the election in their respective states. For example, in Arizona, local stations affiliated with large networks are covering issues to do with immigration and border security while in Georgia, the same networks are emphasizing voter mobilization and community participation.
- Local Affiliates – Some of these stations including WSB in Atlanta and KPHO in Phoenix offer coverage that captures local issues through the use of interviews with voters and local authorities.
- Digital Platforms – Most networks are also using digital media to target young voters as well. For instance, NBC News has struck a deal with Snapchat to provide election coverage since the demographic that uses Snapchat gets their news from social media.
- Election Night Coverage – In the run-up to the election date, networks are already beginning to make preparations for their election night broadcasts. It appears that ABC, NBC and Fox News are planning to have live broadcasts with real-time updates and analysis from the swing states.
- Nevada – Nevada is important for both candidates because about a quarter of its population is of Latino origin. Discussions here focus on the economy after COVID and both candidates have different plans for tax and employment. Local news sources are especially concerned with these matters about the general voter.
- Pennsylvania – Pennsylvania is one of the most important states in terms of electoral history. Therefore it is experiencing high levels of ad spending and media attention. The most important ones are the economy, and increasing prices, both of which are hot topics addressed by the candidates, especially targeting the middle class.
- Wisconsin – This state has been considered as one of the states that may produce a third-party candidate and this may prove to be a major headache to both parties. There is much coverage of the effects of independent candidates such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in the traditional voting systems.
- North Carolina – North Carolina has been traditionally a Republican state, but demographical changes make it a swing state. The media is focusing on the state’s demographic shift and the two candidates’ stance on immigration and the economy.
Local Channels Strategies
Local television stations are important in determining the perception the people have for the election in their respective states. For example, in Arizona, local stations affiliated to large networks are covering issues to do with immigration and border security while in Georgia, the same networks are emphasizing on voter mobilization and community participation.
Local Affiliates: Some of these stations include WSB in Atlanta and KPHO in Phoenix which is offering coverage that captures local issues through the use of interviews with voters and local authorities.
- Digital Platforms – Most networks are also using digital media to target the young voters as well. For instance, NBC News has struck a deal with Snapchat to provide election coverage since the demographic that uses snapchat gets their news from social media.
- Election Night Coverage – In the run-up to the election date, networks are already beginning to make preparations for their election night broadcasts. It appears that ABC, NBC and Fox News are planning to have live broadcasts with real time updates and analysis from the swing states.
