Political news refers to any news or information that is related to politics and public issues. It is a very important type of journalism because it helps people stay informed about what is happening around them, and how it affects them.
When reporting on political news, it is important to be fair to all parties and not favour any one candidate over another. This is especially true in the run-up to elections, when it is vital that you give equal coverage to all parties, and make sure that you have accurate calculations of how much space to give results stories (see Chapter 57: Balance). This can be difficult to achieve, but by sticking to the basics of reporting – focusing on issues rather than personalities, using plain language and avoiding jargon, and including diverse sources – it is possible to achieve balance in most cases.
Whether you are covering local elections or a major presidential race, it is essential to do your homework on the candidates and their platforms. It is also worth identifying the interests and concerns of your readers or listeners, and being sensitive to them when interpreting political events and deciding how to report on them.
There is a growing interest in civic journalism, which seeks to restore democratic values and rebuild the trust of citizens in journalists and media outlets. This style of journalism is often seen as a new, progressive and profound way to engage with the community and to reclaim the role of the media as a force for good in society.