Methods of covering presidential elections have changed dramatically in recent years, and many believe that the 2008 campaign is the first in which the ‘new media’ have come fully into their own. The Transatlantic Media Network and the George Washington University School of Media and Public Affairs hosted a discussion on 'the Challenge of Covering Presidential Elections’ on April 24th at George Washington University, in which a wide range of media representatives and veteran journalists examined the latest trends in campaign reporting – including the demise of 'the Boys on the Bus.’
For the transcript, audio and other information, please visit the event website.
In an era of tightening budgets, major media outlets have cut back on costly practices, such as assigning reporters full-time to covering individual candidates. The New York Times details the phenomenon.
'the Buzz on the Bus: Pinched, Press Steps Off’ March 26, 2008, New York Times
The Washington Post offers this analysis of televised presidential debates:
‘In PA Debate, The Clear Loser is ABC’ April 17, 2008, The Washington Post
Katharine Q. Seeyle notes in The New York Times that in an attempt to play to the new media, Hillary Clinton's campaign ran a ‘bloggers only’ conference call, aiming to increase her presence in that power sphere.
‘As Primaries End, Clinton Appeals Directly to Blogs’ May 20, 2008 New York Times
