Learning objective

Students will evaluate and apply effective planning strategies for election coverage, focusing on adapting a comprehensive checklist in order to ensure that no element is missed. They will also analyse the roles and responsibilities within an election coverage team to ensure thorough reporting.

• Student-facing objective: By the end of this lesson, I’ll be able to use a checklist to plan election coverage and understand the different roles needed for balanced reporting.
• Standards: Students will learn how best to plan election coverage.

Learning activities

Warm-up

Begin with a brief discussion on the importance of planning in journalism. Ask students to share any experiences or knowledge they have about planning events or projects. Then, introduce an imaginary scenario such as planning a local council election where they live.

• Prompt: “Imagine you’re planning a local council election in your home town, what details do you need to consider? Think about dates, rules, candidates, parties, your budget, and what the audience needs to know.”
• Activity: In pairs, students brainstorm a list of considerations for the local election. After a few minutes, ask pairs to share their ideas with the class.
• Transition: Highlight how these considerations relate to planning coverage for an actual election, setting the stage for the lesson’s focus on detailed planning and roles.

Direct instruction

Introduce the Election Planning Checklist: Present the election planning checklist (see ‘Planning tips for effective election coverage‘ if you need to refresh your memory). Explain that the checklist is designed to be a comprehensive tool for organising election coverage. Explain each section briefly, emphasising its importance in ensuring thorough and fair reporting. Use real-world examples, such as a recent election, to illustrate how each checklist item might be applied.

Analyse roles and responsibilities: Discuss the various roles within an election coverage team. Highlight the importance of collaboration across departments. Use a case study of a media organisation to show how different roles contribute to effective coverage. Encourage students to think about how they would assign roles based on skills and expertise.

Adaptation to local realities: Explain the necessity of adapting the checklist to local contexts. Provide a scenario where students must adjust the checklist for a hypothetical local election with limited resources. Guide them through identifying which elements are most critical and how they might creatively address constraints.

Guided practice

Think, Pair, Share: Facilitate a collaborative activity to deepen understanding of election coverage planning.

Think: Ask students to individually review the election planning checklist. Instruct them to select one item they find most critical for effective election coverage and think about why it is essential.

• Pair: Have students pair up to discuss their chosen checklist item. Encourage them to explain their reasoning and listen to their partner’s perspective.
• Share: Invite pairs to share their insights with the class. Facilitate a discussion on the diversity of opinions and the importance of each checklist item.
• Connect: Guide students to connect their discussions to real-world scenarios. Ask them to consider how their chosen item might be adapted to a local election context.
• Reflect: Conclude with a reflection on how collaboration and diverse perspectives enhance planning. Encourage students to consider how they might apply these insights in future projects.

Independent practice

Exercise: Assign students to individually create a detailed plan for election coverage using the checklist. They should focus on adapting it to a hypothetical local election scenario with limited resources.

Task: Instruct students to prioritise the checklist items, explaining their choices and how they would address potential constraints.

Observation: Circulate to provide guidance and answer questions as students work on their plans.

Assignment

Ask students to answer these questions:

1. Which checklist item do you think is most challenging to adapt to local realities, and why?
2. How can collaboration among different roles enhance election coverage planning?
3. What’s one question you still have from today’s lesson?

Here are some suggested answers:

• Suggested answer to Question 1: Adapting the budget item can be challenging due to varying financial constraints and resource availability.
• Suggested answer to Question 2: Collaboration ensures diverse perspectives and expertise, leading to more comprehensive and balanced coverage.

Teacher resources

Differentiation guide

• Advanced learners: Encourage them to explore additional roles and responsibilities within election coverage teams, such as data analysis or investigative reporting. Suggest they research how different media outlets handle election coverage globally and present their findings to the class.
• Striving learners: Provide simplified versions of the election planning checklist. Pair them with peers for collaborative activities to ensure understanding. Offer additional examples and scenarios to help them grasp the concepts. Use visual aids to illustrate the roles and responsibilities within an election coverage team.
• Background reading: This lesson plan is based on the article ‘Planning tips for effective election coverage‘ which we recommend you read before adapting this lesson for your own purposes.

Notable definitions

• Electoral commission: A body responsible for overseeing the conduct of elections, including the management of electoral rolls and the enforcement of election laws.
• Poll watching: The act of observing the conduct of an election to ensure fairness and transparency, often carried out by representatives of political parties or independent organisations.
• Media monitoring group: A collective of non-partisan individuals tasked with overseeing media coverage during an election to protect press freedom and investigate any incidents of harassment or bias.

Required materials

• Election planning checklist: Copies for each student.
• Case study materials: Example of a media organisation’s election coverage plan.
• Scenario cards: Hypothetical local election scenarios for adaptation exercises.
• Reflection sheets: For students to record insights and reflections.
• Writing materials: Pens, paper, or digital devices for note-taking and planning.
• Visual aids: Charts or slides illustrating roles and responsibilities in election coverage.
• Discussion prompts: Prepared questions for pair and class discussions.

Lesson summary

• Warm-up
• Direct instruction
• Guided practice
• Independent practice
• Assignment

The free teaching tools at the Khan Academy were used in the production of this lesson plan.

Related article

Planning effective election coverage

The post Lesson: Election coverage first appeared on Media Helping Media.

During elections politicians will often accuse media organisations and their journalists of bias. We look at the challenges of producing fair election coverage.

This article was written after a training session in Belgrade, Serbia, about editorial ethics during election coverage. 

Types of election-related bias

• Deliberate bias
  • Suppression of important facts.
  • Distortion through selective emphasis.
  • Unequal airtime for candidates (e.g., lengthy coverage for incumbents, brief summaries for challengers).
• Subtle bias
  • Manipulative camera angles to inflate or diminish rally sizes.
  • Selective filming of candidates’ “best” or “worst” moments.
  • Over-reporting on incumbents simply because they are more active, without providing equal coverage to challengers.

“Horse race” coverage

• • “Horse race” is a style of political journalism that focuses on who is winning or losing in an election, rather than on the candidates’ policy positions or the substantive issues at stake.
  • It involves a heavy reliance on public opinion polls, tracking which candidate is “ahead” or “behind.”
  • There will be detailed analysis of poll numbers, including shifts in support among different demographics.
  • It involves coverage of campaign tactics, fundraising, and strategic manoeuvres.
  • It will include analysis of campaign “momentum” and predictions of who is likely to win.
  • It involves framing elections as a sporting event, with a focus on winners and losers.
  • Language and metaphors from sports, such as “front-runner,” “underdog,” and “battleground” are often used.
  • Less attention given to the candidates’ stances on important issues.
  • Tends to be a lack of in-depth analysis of the potential impact of their policies.
  • It can lead to a shallow understanding of the candidates and their platforms.
  • It can divert attention from the substantive issues that voters should be considering.
  • It can contribute to a sense that elections are simply a game, rather than a serious process of democratic decision-making.
  • By focusing on who is winning, it can make voters feel that their vote does not matter.
  • In essence, “horse race” coverage prioritises the spectacle of the election over its substance.

Countering bias in election reporting

• Transparency
  • Clearly label opinion pieces and editorials.
  • Disclose potential conflicts of interest.
• Fair coverage
  • Ensure appropriate airtime and coverage for all viable candidates.
  • Present diverse perspectives on the main issues.
  • Presenting the facts of each candidate, and their policies, without added opinion.
• Fact-checking
  • Rigorous verification of claims made by candidates and their campaigns.
  • Prompt correction of errors.
• Focus on substantive issues
  • Prioritise policy discussions and voter concerns over campaign theatrics.
  • Presenting the facts about policies, and how they will effect citizens.
• Voter engagement
  • Incorporate voter perspectives into news coverage.
  • Highlight voter concerns and questions.
  • Pay close attention to public questions, as they can be a good indicator of what the public cares about.
• Internal checks and balances
  • Implement editorial review processes to identify and correct bias.
  • Consider appointing an ombudsman to address reader complaints.
• Avoiding manipulation
  • Be aware of attempts by candidates to bypass traditional media and control their message.
  • Maintain journalistic independence.
  • Do not allow candidates to manipulate the narrative.

The role of the journalist

• Journalists serve as a crucial link between candidates and voters.
• They must strive for fairness and accuracy, avoiding the temptation to become a “veil” that obscures the truth.
• They should be aware that they are a filter, and that their own biases can effect the news that is presented.

Addressing media bashing

Candidates, especially those struggling in polls, may resort to “media bashing.” Journalists should remain professional and focused on their duties.

“Media bashing” refers to the act of strongly and often publicly criticising or attacking the media. This can take various forms, including:

• Verbal attacks
  • This can involve harsh criticism of news outlets, journalists, or specific news reports.
  • It can also include accusations of bias, dishonesty, or incompetence.
• Public campaigns
  • These campaigns may aim to discredit or damage the reputation of media organisations.
  • They can involve spreading negative information or encouraging boycotts.
• Online attacks
  • “Media bashing” often occurs on social media, involving insults, harassment, and the spread of misinformation.
  • Politicians and public figures often engage in “media bashing” to deflect criticism or control the narrative.
  • It can be a tactic to undermine public trust in the media.

News values and priorities

• News outlets must be mindful of their news priorities. Focusing on internal campaign dynamics or personality-driven politics can detract from substantive issues.
• Studies show that voters often find debates more informative than traditional news coverage. Journalists should strive to bridge this gap by prioritising voter concerns.

 This article was written after a training session in Belgrade, Serbia, about editorial ethics during election coverage. 

The post Avoiding bias during election coverage first appeared on Media Helping Media.

We asked senior journalists in the Media Helping Media network what journalists should look out for when covering elections? The responses are below.

1: Pressure – Beyond the Surface of Influence

• Going beyond the obvious
  • Don’t just report on blatant bribery. Investigate the networks involved. Who are the power brokers behind these attempts? Follow the money trail.
  • Analyse the psychological tactics of intimidation. How do subtle threats, coded language, or targeted disinformation campaigns create a climate of fear?
  • Examine the impact of unbalanced media access. How does it shape public perception and create an uneven playing field? Quantify the disparity if possible.
• Adding depth and insight
  • Interview psychologists and sociologists to understand the effects of pressure on voter behaviour.
  • Use data analysis to map the distribution of reported intimidation incidents and identify hotspots.
  • Provide historical context by comparing current pressure tactics to past elections or similar situations in other countries.
  • Investigate the use of online pressure, and the use of bots and trolls to manipulate public opinion.
• Perspective
  • Frame pressure as a systemic issue, not just isolated incidents.
  • Consider the long-term consequences of unchecked pressure on democratic institutions.

2: Barriers – Unmasking disenfranchisement

• Going beyond the surface
  • Don’t just report on long lines at polling stations. Investigate the root causes of those delays. Are they intentional or the result of incompetence?
  • Explore the intersectionality of disenfranchisement. How do barriers disproportionately affect marginalised communities, such as minorities, the elderly, or people with disabilities?
  • Examine the legal and regulatory framework governing voter registration and eligibility. Are there loopholes or ambiguities that can be exploited?
• Adding depth and insight
  • Use data visualisation to illustrate the geographic distribution of voter registration challenges.
  • Conduct in-depth interviews with voters who have been disenfranchised, amplifying their voices and experiences.
  • Consult with legal experts to analyse the constitutionality of voter registration laws.
    Investigate the digital divide, and how a lack of access to the internet can disenfranchise voters.
• Perspective
  • Frame disenfranchisement as a violation of fundamental democratic rights.
  • Highlight the long-term consequences of voter suppression on civic engagement and political representation.

3: Fraud – unraveling the web of deception

• Going beyond the surface
  • Don’t just report on allegations of fraud. Investigate the evidence behind those claims.
  • Examine the mechanisms of fraud. How are ballots stolen, stuffed, or destroyed? What vulnerabilities exist in the election system?
  • Analyse the role of technology in election fraud, including cyberattacks and the spread of disinformation.
• Adding depth and insight
  • Use forensic analysis to examine ballots and other election materials.
  • Consult with cybersecurity experts to assess the vulnerability of election systems.
  • Fact-check claims of fraud, providing clear and accurate information to the public.
  • Investigate the use of deep fakes, and other forms of manipulated media.
• Perspective
  • Frame fraud as a threat to the integrity of the election process.
  • Emphasize the importance of transparency and accountability in election administration.

4: Irregularities – decoding logistical failures

• Going beyond the surface
  • Don’t just report on logistical problems. Investigate the systemic factors that contribute to them.
  • Examine the preparedness of election officials. Were they adequately trained and resourced?
  • Analyze the impact of irregularities on voter confidence and participation.
• Adding depth and insight
  • Use data analysis to track the frequency and severity of logistical problems.
  • Interview election officials, poll workers, and voters to understand the challenges they faced.
  • Provide clear and concise explanations of complex logistical issues.
  • Use maps to show the location of irregularities.
• Perspective
  • Frame irregularities as a symptom of broader systemic weaknesses.
  • Advocate for reforms to improve election administration and ensure a smooth and efficient process.

5: Information – cultivating informed citizens

• Going beyond the surface
  • Don’t just report on the candidates’ platforms. Provide context and analysis of their policy proposals.
  • Examine the effectiveness of civic education programmes. Are they reaching the target audience?
  • Analyse the role of media literacy in combating disinformation and promoting informed decision-making.
• Adding depth and insight
  • Use fact-checking and data journalism to hold candidates accountable for their statements.
  • Provide in-depth explainers on complex election issues.
  • Host public forums and debates to facilitate dialogue between candidates and voters.
    Investigate the level of media literacy within the electorate.
• Perspective
  • Frame civic education as an essential component of a healthy democracy.
  • Emphasise the responsibility of journalists to provide accurate and unbiased information.
  • Highlight the dangers of information vacuums, and the way that they can be filled with misinformation.

By adopting these approaches, journalists can go beyond simply reporting on election events and instead provide valuable insights that empower citizens to make informed decisions and hold their elected officials accountable.

The post Investigating election irregularities first appeared on Media Helping Media.

Journalists covering elections should never carry a weapon, should have first aid training, dress appropriately, listen to the locals and avoid confrontation.

These are some of the tips set out by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) in the Election Reporting Handbook (download the pdf from this page), a section of which is reproduced on this site with permission.

Staying safe and healthy

Never carry a gun or other weapon. Get basic first aid training. This does not mean an obligation to provide medical care to every victim you see, but it may assist an injured colleague.

Know your rights

It is useful to have an understanding of the regulations which relate to unrest areas, and to know which areas are affected. This knowledge will allow you to challenge with confidence any member of the security forces who tells you that you may not take photographs, or who orders you to leave an area when you have a right to stay. An irresponsible or uninformed act may not only put you in danger, but could also have repercussions for colleagues.

Know your destination

Be as prepared as possible before leaving the office. Know what political, racial, religious or any other conflict exists within a region. Information can keep you out of trouble. Talk to other journalists. Networking is important. If you have experienced problems in a particular area, warn other journalists to be careful.

Make contacts

Get to know the media officers of all the major organisations in the area. Look out for press marshals at rallies and marches. If you have any difficulty, ask a marshal for help. If you are covering a major protest march or political rally, survey the route/venue beforehand. Look for telephones that can be used, vantage points from which you can survey the event without being too close in case of trouble.

Be familiar with the roads and where they lead to in case you have to leave suddenly. Learn and observe local community protocol. This could include who you speak to first when you go into a community, and how you address leaders.

Dress appropriately

Always dress in comfortable clothing that does not limit your freedom of movement. Especially no heels or narrow skirts.

Clothing that attracts attention to you is out of place in a trouble zone. Dress to be inconspicuous. Avoid leather jackets, expensive sun glasses or jewellery. They make you a walking target for criminals.

Be aware of the colours of the political movements and parties active in your region, and avoid wearing them in the same combinations.

Some journalists prefer to dress formally, but many believe that it is better not to be too well-dressed for fear of being mistaken for police officers. Avoid t-shirts with political slogans. There is a debate whether it is better always to be instantly identifiable as a journalist or not. Some think it is a good idea to wear a t-shirt which announces “press” or “media”; others point out that journalists are sometimes targeted precisely because they are from the media. There is no easy or safe answer. It is clear that there will be times when it is better to be identifiable and others when it is not. Use your judgement.

Before leaving home

The most basic rule of covering conflict is never to travel alone. If there is no-one else from your news organisation available, telephone around to find a colleague to take along. It is worth the time and trouble. And while we might be in competition, we are still colleagues. Watch out for one another.

Always tell your editor, colleagues and family where you are going and what time you expect to be back. Make sure someone at home knows what to do and who to contact if you don’t arrive.

In the field

Listen to the locals. Pay attention to advice from people living in a region or an area. They know best.

It is essential to carry a press card. Keep it handy. Don’t keep it in your wallet – you’ll be advertising your money every time you take out your press card. The breast pocket of your shirt is a good place.

Watch out for big crowds. They are a good signal for what is happening. But don’t stop your vehicle in front of the crowd, or try to drive through it. And if things are too quiet and there are few or no people on the streets, this could indicate danger.

If there are other journalists about, stick close to them.

Never be seen to be too friendly with the security forces. If a security officer offers his or her hand, don’t take it. Apologise and say you don’t mean to be offensive, but you cannot afford to be seen shaking hands.

If you are caught in the middle of a disturbance, move away — but don’t run. If you run, you could be seen as a target.

Do not attempt to cross directly from one side of a confrontation to the other.

The post Media safety during elections first appeared on Media Helping Media.

Planning is essential for effective election coverage. The following is a checklist for editors and election coverage teams. It also offers some guidance on special editorial approaches to the campaign. Be careful, however, to adapt this model to local realities.

Do not accept the argument that poorly funded media do not have the means to follow those rules. Journalism on a budget can be priceless.

Election planning checklist

• Details:
  • Check with the electoral commission regarding all the details of the coming poll.
  • You need to know registration date, start and closing day of the campaign period, election day specifics.
  • You also need to know how the polling will be organised, timetable for election returns, etc.
• Rules:
  • Study the election rules.
  • You need to know about voting system, electoral laws, poll watching, laws governing international observation delegations, use of public opinion surveys, political advertising regulations, access to state media, electoral expenses limitations, etc.
  • Understand how the election is supposed to work so that you can be alert to any irregularities.
• Guidelines: 
  • Join other media, unions of journalists, publishers’ and broadcasters’ associations to agree guidelines, a code of conduct and a charter to be submitted to all political parties, committing them to respect journalists and protect them against harassment by party supporters.
  • Consider setting up an election media monitoring group comprised of respected, non-partisan figures charged with protecting the press from aggression and investigating any such incidents.
• Audience awareness:
  • Explain to your readers, viewers and listeners your reporting rules.
  • Tell them how you are going to cover the campaign and why.
• Budget:
  • Make sure you plan the cost of your election reporting.
  • An election campaign is usually good business for the media, but costs can run away with you.
  • You will need extra phone lines, excellent connectivity, additional cars and drivers, more overtime.
  • Plan carefully and allocate resources wisely.
  • Underestimating your budget will get you into trouble.
  • Keep a sensible proportion of your budget unallocated for contingencies.
• Roles and responsibilities:
  • Choose your election team carefully.
  • Election coverage is the political desk’s golden hour but should not be its exclusive preserve.
  • All departments can be asked to perform duties according to their skills.
  • Specialised writers will be commissioned to analyse issues on their beat (economics, health, foreign affairs, economics, labour, education).
  • You will also need staff who can compare competing political programmes, to scrutinise speeches and position papers, to track inconsistencies and expose propaganda.
  • The foreign desk, for instance, might be assigned to stories related to international observer teams, foreign media coverage, role of international organisations in the campaign, etc.
  • Some media organisations set up an election desk for the last weeks of the campaign. This option should be studied carefully especially in small newspapers.
  • The election campaign should not compromise reporting of other news.
• Review procedure:
  • Appoint an editorial panel which will be charged with reviewing delicate questions that may arise as the campaign develops.
  • It should include the editor-in-chief, the relevant department head, and a few distinguished commentators or reporters.
• Operational issues:
  • Plan technical and operational arrangements.
  • Pin down the advertising department (some pages should be considered ad-free during the campaign, precise guidelines should be given to acceptance and placement of political advertising)
  • Talk to the production manager (s/he must provide for later deadlines on election day and for additional pages).
  • If you are a newspaper talk to the distribution manager.
• Staffing:
  • Recruit additional personnel where needed.
  • Young journalists can handle the information flow on election day, phone and fax operators, secretaries, drivers, etc.
• Contacts list:
  • Contact resource persons.
  • They will be of much help to give expert advice during the election campaign and as soon as the results are public.
  • Election pundits, political scientists, public opinion analysts, should be on standby and attached to your particular media.
  • Appointments should be arranged in advance with political party leaders for election-night comments on results.
  • But do not overwhelm your audience with excessive punditry. Ordinary citizens should have their say too.
• Media assets:
  • Check your photo files or your video archives.
  • You need to have as many pictures of candidates as possible stored in your photo/video library.
• Backup systems:
  • Plan for emergencies.
  • What do you do if something breaks down on your side (your computer falls dead, your local journalist cannot contact you, one of your reporters is arrested or wounded, etc).
  • And on the side of the government (failure in the collation of results, charges of irregularities, etc).
  • Planning is all-important, but never forget that your first responsibility is to the readers, the viewers and listeners.
• Audience empowerment:
  • Citizen’s groups which are formed to help voters use the power which elections put at their disposal are very useful.
  • Remember who is in charge. In a democracy the citizen is the boss. Elected officials are temporary hired help.
  • View the election campaign as the politician’s job application.
  • Ask yourself if the candidates are giving you, the employer, the information needed to decide who is best for the job.
• Clarity of content:
  • Civic education – media must carefully and repeatedly explain the principles and techniques of voting and what the election will lead to (a new parliament, separation of powers, transparency, etc).
  • Media should introduce an open line to readers so they might ask questions on specific points of the campaign and air their views.
  • Run more interviews with voters not just “vox-pop” and quick quotes gathered in the street.
  • Conduct meaningful and probing interviews about how families are surviving in an economic crisis or how they deeply feel about education opportunities for their children.
• Plans for polls:
  • Public opinion polling: unprofessional polls are bad news, for voters and for media.
  • Never commission surveys that do not stick to the highest standards and never print them without fully explaining the conditions and the limits of the survey.
  • Expose any fraud in a political party or newspaper survey. Never forget that polls will never replace old-style political reporting.
• Fact files:
  • Start well ahead of election day: prepare profiles of major candidates, close-ups on most electoral districts (economic base, population profile, major problems, party dominance).
• Backgrounders:
  • Cover the issues.
  • Pile up documentation on campaign issues (official figures, the state of the debate, major players and lobbies, etc.).
  • Cover those issues independently from party positions, report on issues that are neglected by political parties.
  • Too often issues are presented as just a conflict between opposing sides and not as objects of serious debate.
  • Always ask “what’s missing in the news today?”
  • Read everything, remember what the candidates said (and did) over a period of years not just days.
  • Do not confuse lobbying by interest groups or media-generated excitement with a grass-roots political movement.
  • Do not be afraid of repeating explanatory studies of difficult issues.
  • The “We’ve already done it” or “It does not interest anybody” cynicism should never be welcome in a newsroom. At election time is should be banned.
• Style:
  • Make stories and issues accessible to readers, de-code all political jargon, track down and annihilate all long words that render already difficult concepts totally incomprehensible.
• Priorities:
  • Beware of “pack” journalism.
  • Shy away from the tendency to follow candidates like a pack of wolves which leads to concentrate on the same events and interpret them in the same way.
  • This happens particularly when a candidate is seen as rising in the polls.
  • When a candidate’s support increases sharply the coverage of his candidacy becomes more favourable.
• Stakeholders:
  • Keep in touch with who is behind a party or a candidate.
  • Examine possible conflicts of interest.
    • Look at a candidate’s record or promises and commitments.
    • Ask who has benefited or would benefit from a candidate’s proposals.
  • Follow the money.
    • Who is financing the campaign
    • What are the interests of those providing the money
    • How will they benefit from the government (new legislation, regulatory power).
• Variety:
  • Use all forms of journalism.
  • Consider, where appropriate the following.
    • Long reportage
    • Analytical pieces
    • Graphs
    • Satire
    • Sketches and cartoons
    • Investigative journalism (who is behind a particular candidate, the role of special interests, etc)
    • Photojournalism
    • Profiles
    • Interviews
    • Contradictory debates.
• Propaganda:
  • If you are work for a newspaper give politicians from different parties the possibility to write columns on a fair and rotating basis.
  • But stop this process at least two weeks before election day so as not to give undue advantage to one of the candidates and not to overwhelm your readers with party propaganda.
• Stunts and tricks:
  • Get acquainted with campaign tricks.
  • Beware of stunts and cooked-up events designed just to grab headlines.
• Overhype:
  • Do not just publish political parties’ news (press) releases.
  • Check them, use them as a source for a more balanced story.
  • Do not run for “photo-opportunities”.
  • Do not overhype controversy.
  • A contrived rumour campaign can lead you far away from voters’ real interests.
• Attribution:
  • Never forget that your long-term credibility is always at stake.
  • Follow closely each candidate’s advertising campaign.
  • Some media have columns which scrutinise campaign promises and advertising techniques.
  • Expose falsification and distortion wherever you find it.
  • Clearly identify and attribute any information coming from sources other than obtained from independent reporting.
• Review process:
  • After the election review the way your team covered the campaign.
  • Compare your performance with that of the competition.

Questions

1. What is the primary purpose of the election planning checklist?
2. Identify two important details that should be confirmed with the electoral commission.
3. Explain the importance of studying election rules.
4. Describe the role of media in civic education during an election campaign.
5. What are some of the operational issues that need to be planned for during election coverage?
6. How should media organisations handle political advertising during an election?
7. Discuss the significance of having a review procedure in place during an election campaign.
8. Analyse the potential impact of “pack” journalism on election coverage.
9. Evaluate the importance of using a variety of journalism forms in election reporting.
10. Synthesise the steps media should take to maintain credibility during an election campaign.

Answers

1. The primary purpose of the election planning checklist is to serve as a guide for editors or election coverage teams to ensure comprehensive and effective election coverage.
2. Two important details to confirm with the electoral commission are the registration date and the specifics of election day, such as how polling will be organised.
3. Studying election rules is important to ensure compliance with voting systems, electoral laws, and regulations, which helps maintain the integrity and fairness of the election process.
4. The role of media in civic education is to explain voting principles and techniques, and to provide a platform for voters to ask questions and express their views.
5. Operational issues that need planning include managing advertising space, production deadlines, and distribution logistics to ensure smooth election coverage.
6. Media organisations should plan for ad-free pages during the campaign and provide clear guidelines for the acceptance and placement of political advertising.
7. A review procedure is significant as it allows for the examination of delicate questions that may arise, ensuring balanced and fair reporting.
8. “Pack” journalism can lead to homogeneous coverage, focusing on the same events and interpretations, which may skew public perception.
9. Using a variety of journalism forms enriches election reporting by providing diverse perspectives and engaging different audience segments.
10. To maintain credibility, media should scrutinise campaign promises, expose falsifications, and clearly attribute information from non-independent sources.

Lesson plan for trainers

If you are a trainer of journalists we have a free lesson plan about election coverage which you are welcome to download and adapt for your own purposes.

The post Planning effective election coverage first appeared on Media Helping Media.

Election coverage is one of the most critical responsibilities of the media. It shapes public discourse, informs voters, and plays a vital role in safeguarding democracy.

However, elections also present unique challenges to editorial independence. External pressures from political parties, advertisers, governments, and even audiences can threaten journalistic integrity. Maintaining independence is not only a professional obligation but essential for public trust.

This article is a combination of opinions shared with Media Helping Media by political journalists.

The importance of editorial independence

Editorial independence means that journalists and editors make decisions based on professional judgment, public interest, and factual reporting, free from influence by political, commercial, or personal interests.

During elections, this independence ensures that coverage is fair, and fact-driven, providing citizens with the information they need to make informed choices.

When the media compromises its independence, it risks becoming a tool for misinformation, polarisation, or partisan agendas—undermining the very democratic processes it seeks to support.

The following advice is compiled from contributions from political journalists in the Media Helping Media network.

1. Adopt and communicate clear editorial guidelines

Media houses should have well-defined editorial policies that emphasise fairness, accuracy, and independence. These guidelines should be publicly accessible to reinforce accountability and transparency.

2. Fact-check relentlessly

Elections are fertile ground for misinformation, propaganda, and manipulated narratives. Newsrooms must invest in robust fact-checking teams to verify claims made by candidates, political parties, and their supporters. Every piece of coverage should prioritise fact over sensationalism or speed.

3. Ensure diverse voices and perspectives

Fair and accurate reporting means giving space to a variety of political opinions, minority voices, and independent experts. Coverage should avoid amplifying only the most powerful or well-funded campaigns, ensuring marginalised groups and emerging political movements are heard.

4. Separate opinion from news

Clear demarcation between factual reporting and opinion pieces is crucial. Readers and viewers should be able to easily distinguish between analysis, editorial opinions, and hard news to avoid conflating bias with objectivity.

5. Resist commercial and political pressures

Advertisers or political interests may attempt to influence coverage, especially during high-stakes elections. Media organisations must be prepared to turn down advertising or sponsorship deals that compromise their editorial decisions. Internal barriers between business and editorial teams are essential.

6. Empower journalists with safety and support

Election coverage can expose reporters to harassment, online abuse, or physical danger. Media houses must prioritise journalists’ safety and mental well-being, ensuring that reporters can work without fear or intimidation, both of which can subtly erode independence.

7. Be transparent about mistakes and biases

If errors occur, acknowledge and correct them publicly. Transparency fosters trust and demonstrates a commitment to accountability. Likewise, openly addressing potential newsroom biases helps audiences understand the efforts made to maintain balance.

The role of media literacy

Finally, media organisations have a role in promoting media literacy during elections. By educating the public about how to identify credible information and question biased sources, the media empowers citizens to resist manipulation, thereby reinforcing the value of editorial independence.

Conclusion

Editorial independence is the backbone of credible election coverage. In a world of increasing political polarisation and misinformation, the media’s ability to report impartially is more important than ever. By adhering to professional standards, resisting external pressures, and focusing on the public good, journalists can ensure their election coverage serves democracy, not politics.

This article is a combination of opinions shared by political journalists in the Media Helping Media network.

The post Editorial independence during elections first appeared on Media Helping Media.