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.