In
most countries, stage-based political events such as town hall meetings,
rallies, or public debates, remain an important tool of party and candidate media
strategies. These events serve three key purposes:
- To keep the party or
candidates in the public eye; and
- To allow the party or
candidate a chance to convey political positions directly to voters,
unchallenged; and
- To establish an aura of
familiarity with voters.
The
political rally may do other things as well. Political rallies are often used
to showcase the support of a well-known singer, actor, or television
personality, thereby increasing a candidate’s “likeability” through proximity
with popular figures. As such, celebrity
endorsements are a common feature of political campaigns.
Each
of these aims requires, to some degree, cooperation of the media. Candidates remain
in the public eye only if the media cover events. Positions remain unchallenged
only if the media fail to report alternative views. This presents journalists and editors with a noteworthy
dilemma: rallies are big events and as such are newsworthy; on the other hand
however, the substance of such rallies is usually highly predictable and therefore
is not newsworthy. Pack mentality tends to win over this dilemma however – the
assumption standing that other media will report and therefore so must all
outlets.
Subjecting
politicians' political platforms to critical scrutiny is still a necessary part
of election reporting, however. Mere stenographic repetition of politicians’
statements is not adequate journalism. Balance needs to be sought, both through
quoting reactions to what politicians say and through ensuring that political
events of different parties and candidates are fairly reported. A comprehensive
and balanced report on a political rally or other event is likely to include
all these elements as well:
- How many people attended
the event (the journalist’s estimate, not that of the organizing party/candidate
or opponents);
- The reaction of the
audience to speeches, both as a group and individually;
- The reaction of other
parties or candidates;
- Other significant information
about the event or providing context and a comprehensive picture, such as
disruption, violence, and sources of funding or support.
