The 2024 U.S. Presidential Race in The Media: Reflection Of The New York Times Cover Image

Кандидатпрезидентската надпревара в САЩ 2024 в медийната рефлексия на The New York Times
The 2024 U.S. Presidential Race in The Media: Reflection Of The New York Times

Author(s): Svetlana Stankova, Alexandra Yosifova
Subject(s): Social Sciences, Media studies, Communication studies
Published by: Софийски университет »Св. Климент Охридски«
Keywords: presidential elections; media reflection; media message; political image

Summary/Abstract: In a rapidly changing media landscape, classical theories about the influence of the media on public opinion are taking on new dimensions. This study aims to examine how the 2024 U.S. presidential race – with a focus on the campaigns of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump – is reflected in The New York Times, and what the dominant narrative of the media is overall framing the political discourse. Specifically, the research focuses on two key questions: 1. What are the main trends and features in the presentation of the presidential campaigns of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump in the publications of The New York Times? 2. How are the images of the two candidates built and maintained in the American daily newspaper – what are their political messages and characteristics? The conclusions based on a quantitative and qualitative content analysis of 4,213 communication units reveal contrasting editorial portrayals: Harris is framed as progressive and unifying, Trump as a threat to democracy, confirming the continued agenda-setting power of traditional media in shaping political perceptions.

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