The Role of Media in Choosing Our Candidates for National Office: Student Projects

Results that Correlate with Age

"In my survey there were three age categories: under 18, 18-30, and over 30. There were a total of seven questions involving political coverage. Each age group consisted of 10 people.

The first question was: 'Do you believe the media spent too much, not enough, or enough time on campaigns?'

In the under 18 age group 70% said too much time was spent on campaigns and 30% said enough time was spent. As the group I asked got older the responses changed. Thirty percent said that too much time was devoted to campaigns while 60% said enough time was spent, and 10% said not enough. In the over 30 category, 70% believed enough time was spent, 10% not enough, and 20% too much time was spent on the campaign coverage in 1992.

The second question dealt with the quality of the coverage. In all categories the coverage was rated as average to OK. They believed it could have been better, but were satisfied.

(The third question) 'Do you believe that the media allowed all candidates enough (air) time?' All age groups believed that there was not fair air or press time. They saw more of the incumbents. The incumbents had the money advantage, and could reach more people.

In the fourth question (Do you believe the media affects the public's vote?) there were different answers. In the under 18 category it was believed that the media did affect the way people voted. People over 18 did not feel the same way. They felt the media was a good outlet for material, but took it and made up their own minds.

The fifth question was 'Are you in favor of free media for political candidates?' All age groups believed there should be free media, but there should be some sort of limit.

The (sixth and seventh) questions (Did the way the media covered a candidate influence your vote? and Who did you (or would have) vote for?) could be answered only by two age groups. In the (sixth) all said that the media did not influence their vote in any particular race. The final (seventh) question. . . In the 18-30 category the responses were mainly for Perot and Clinton. In the over 30 category, it was Bush and Clinton." FL