Reporting elections is a very important time for journalists. The public heavily rely on us to relay information about the elections has a whole and also the party campaigns.
It is important to remember that not all polls are the same.
Broadcasters must remain impartial when covering the elections. All of the major parties must be given equal coverage time. Consequently, newspapers can either swing towards left or right wing.
- Citizens base choices on your reporting
- Accuracy and impartiality even more vital
- Politicians love to shoot the messenger
- Campaign language is often ‘heated’
We, as journalists, are often the 'messengers' to the people.
Maintaining Impartiality
- Absolute requirement for broadcasters
- Major and minor parties are different
- Keep an accurate log of party coverage
Opinion polls and exit polls
- Criminal offense to publish before polls have closed
- No exit poll speculation
- Minimal reporting on polling day
An exit poll is a survey taken when people are leaving the polling station to find out which party they voted for. Before a poll has closed, it is a criminal offence to publish any statement about how people have voted or any hint or idea of the election results.
- Aim to achieve daily balance between parties
- Don’t be overly influenced by party
As a summary it is essential to get to know election procedures. To report in the best way possible it will help to understand procedures inside out. Also the ability to judge the difference between election 'banter' and 'false statements' is a very important topic. As a reporter, we are the eyes and ears to the public and we must (as always) be certain about what we say, and the way we portray others. Not only this but we must remain impartial, especially when reporting in broadcast journalism. Without always meaning to, we as journalists have a lot of input in to what the public think about topics and this can sometimes mean voters base their choices on our reporting and the way we portray specific parties. By remaining impartial, it ensures we are always in the clear.
On polling day, it is common that you will see minimal coverage from both campaigners and journalists.
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