Political news covers all aspects of government and politics at a local, state, or national level. It can include debates, town hall meetings and interviews with candidates or political leaders. It can also cover issues such as the environment or health care. Some journalists focus on specific areas of political interest, such as corruption or crime. Other journalists cover the political process, including campaigning and lobbying.
Political journalism has a long history, from Hunter S. Thompson’s “Gonzo journalism” style of following politicians on the road to Barbara Walters hard hitting interviews. Today, there is a proliferation of political coverage through newspapers, television and radio, as well as online.
When covering a specific event or issue, be sure to present both positive and negative information. This helps readers understand the full range of options available to them. Also, be sure to identify any sources that may have influenced the reporting.
During elections, it is important to report not just the results but also how people voted. This includes identifying the winning party and any significant losses. In addition, it’s helpful to report how many votes were cast and if there were any close races.
Most people get their election news from TV, but some rely on local and state newspapers as well as the Internet for information. Most major newspaper editors have a generalist reporter or several reporters who are assigned to political issues and campaigns, while smaller papers usually employ a team of writers.