The Decline of Media Focus on Issues: A Case Study of the Recent Biden-Trump Debate
President Joe Biden and Former President Donald J. Trump via Wiki
Prioritizing Sensationalism and Speculative Content
The role of the media in enlightening the public and facilitating a robust discourse on critical issues has never been more vital. However, there's a growing concern that many news outlets have deviated significantly from their foundational mission, now prioritizing sensationalism and speculative content over in-depth analysis. This trend was particularly evident in the coverage of the recent debate between President Joe Biden and Former President Donald Trump.
Coverage Focus: Sensationalism over Substance
Post-debate analyses predominantly focused on speculative narratives and sensational headlines, largely overlooking comprehensive evaluations of the candidates' performances and policy propositions. Media outlets seemed more interested in predicting how the debate might sway voters or affect poll standings, rather than dissecting the substantive content of the debate.
Historical Contrast
Such practices starkly contrast with the earlier media approach, exemplified by networks like CNN in its nascent stages, which emphasized thorough policy analysis, detailed examination of candidates' debate performances, and balanced election reporting. This shift from substance to sensationalism is not isolated but is part of a broader transformation in the media industry.
Disturbing Trends in Traditional Media
Significant trends illustrate a disturbing shift away from traditional media engagement:
Newspaper Circulation: Notably reduced to under 21 million in 2022, with weekday circulation down by 8% from the previous year and a staggering 32% over the past five years.
Digital Subscriptions: On the other hand, digital platforms like The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal have seen substantial increases, with a 32% growth in digital subscriptions in 2022 for The New York Times due to their stories being parked behind paywall. So, while subscriptions increased access became exclusive to members who want to view more than a few articles per month.
Website Traffic: There’s a 20% decrease in average monthly unique visitors to the top 50 newspaper sites as of Q4 2022.
Local TV News: Viewership for evening news has dwindled to just over 3 million in 2022, down from over 4 million in 2016.
Cable News: Experiences mixed results; for instance, Fox News saw its revenue climb to $3.3 billion from 2020 to 2022. The network also settled a $787 million dollar settlement with Dominion Voting Systems after being sue by the company for defamation. .
U.S. daily newspaper circulation continues to decline
A Declining Audience
Recent findings from the Pew Research Center reveal that Americans are following the news less closely than in previous years, compounding the issues within the media landscape. In 2016, 51% of U.S. adults reported following the news all or most of the time, but by 2022, this number had fallen to just 38%. This decline is consistent across all demographic groups, with a particularly notable decrease among Republicans, where the proportion of those closely following the news dropped by 20 percentage points from 2016 to 2022. This decline is likely influenced by changing news consumption habits, a growing distrust in media sources, and increased news fatigue among the public.
Attention to news in the U.S. has declined across age groups in recent years
Revitalizing Informed Discourse
These statistics reflect a pivot away from traditional media platforms, driven by changes in consumer preferences and a broader disenchantment with the media’s approach to news reporting. As traditional media struggles with these challenges, the potential consequences for democratic engagement and informed public discourse are profound. The focus on what drives revenue over what informs the public may lead to a less informed electorate, which is detrimental to the health of any democracy. The case of the Biden-Trump debate is just one example of how essential issues are often overshadowed by a focus on ratings, a trend that may persist without a concerted push for more accountable journalism.
For those seeking a deeper understanding and a more critical approach to news consumption, exploring resources like Info Decon can be invaluable. Info Decon offers insights and tools for deconstructing news stories, encouraging a more analytical and less passive consumption of news. By becoming more discerning readers, we can foster a media environment that prioritizes depth and accuracy over sensationalism.
References
Audiences are declining for traditional news media in the U.S. – with some exceptions
Justia Verdict - What’s So Special About the Fox/Dominion Settlement? Less Than You’d Think
