Blog 2.3: Media coverage of trump

1. What three observations did the study find about media outlets with a right-leaning audience?

They cited fewer sources, offered more positive and fewer negative evaluations, and had reporters who were less likely to challenge the president. 

2. How did right-leaning media outlets and left-leaning media outlets use sources differently?

RIght-leaning outlets are less likely than left-leaning outlets to use Trump/admin, outside experts, both parties, and interest groups as sources. 

3. How much more likely were left-leaning outlets to include negative coverage of Trump?

At least three times more likely. 

4. How often did left leaning and right leaning outlets refute something said by Trump?

Left-leaning outlets: 15%

Right-leaning: 2%

5. What five topics accounted for most of the media coverage about Trump?

political skills, immigration, appointments/nominations, U.S.-Russia relations, health care

6. Are journalists more likely to cover the president's character or his policies? Why do you think this is?

They are more likely to cover his character because his behavior is usually controversial and shapes his policy. 

7. Who were the most common sources quoted in coverage of the administration?

The president/member of his admin, another news organization/journalist, members of Congress

8. What was the relationship between the number of sources quoted and the evaluation of Trump?

Stories with more sources/voices were more likely to have an overall negative assessment. 

9. How often did the reporting use Twitter as a source?

16%

10. How has coverage of Trump been different than other recent presidents?

Coverage of Trump's early days in office moved away from a focus on policy agenda and more towards character and leadership. Trump's evaluations were far more negative than his predecessors.