With just days until Election Day, a recent Media Research Center (MRC) analysis reveals that the 2024 presidential race coverage from mainstream media has skewed more dramatically than ever.
Major networks—ABC, CBS, and NBC—have showered Vice President Kamala Harris with 78% positive coverage, while former President Donald Trump faced a staggering 85% negative coverage since July, as reported by News Busters.
The data shows a stark divide, greater even than in 2016 when both Trump and Hillary Clinton experienced mostly negative reporting, and bigger than in 2020, when then-candidate Joe Biden saw 66% positive coverage compared to Trump’s 92% negative press.
The imbalance largely stems from the media’s intense focus on Trump’s personal controversies, while downplaying or ignoring contentious topics involving Harris.
From July through October, Trump was subjected to over 230 minutes of airtime filled with personal scandals, while Harris received notably lighter treatment.
MRC analyzed 660 campaign stories aired across these networks since President Biden stepped down on July 21, finding Harris received positive “vibes” largely shaped by enthusiastic voter quotes, while Trump faced near-uniform criticism directly from network reporters.
Trump Targeted, Harris Sheltered
Media focus began shifting away from Harris after the September 10 debate, with networks amping up negative airtime for Trump.
Although Harris initially received around 350 minutes of coverage, since mid-September, Trump has faced nearly double the airtime—398 minutes for him compared to 230 minutes for Harris—heavily negative.
When it comes to Trump, the networks dedicated 230 minutes to personal controversies, including Trump’s January 6 claims and his critiques of the Biden administration.
Coverage of Trump remained 97-100% negative on topics ranging from hurricane responses to comments about immigration, often casting him as a “danger to democracy” while Harris’s controversies saw little attention.
Policy Coverage: A Touch of Balance Amid Bias
On policies, coverage was more evenly negative for both candidates. Trump’s policies received 63% negative coverage compared to Harris’s 54%.
However, on issues like immigration, the media cast Trump’s rhetoric in a harsher light, attributing a higher level of controversy than Harris’s policy actions.
As for social issues, abortion and reproductive rights were covered favorably for Harris, with 73% positive coverage, while Trump’s stance saw a resounding 92% negative slant.
Media Sentiment: Harris the Darling, Trump the Villain
Most statements about Harris seemed to focus on her personality rather than her policies, as networks celebrated her with broad, positive commentary.
Enthusiastic voter quotes, declaring excitement for Harris, were highlighted on numerous segments, while the networks took to condemning Trump directly, often dismissing his statements as “false” or “strange.”
With trust in media at historic lows, the stakes for this year’s election coverage are higher than ever.
Whether the media’s overwhelmingly negative portrayal of Trump will impact the final vote remains to be seen, but the fallout for public trust in media appears certain.
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