Question

1. media strategy, including statewide and local media outlets and their potential impacts on voters; and estimate of voter turnout and voter targeting, including key cities and towns, etc

Answer 1

Media is necessary for democracy, and a democratic election without the media is unlikely. Free and equal elections are not only about the right to vote and the knowledge of how to cast a ballot, but also about a participatory process in which voters participate in public discussion and have sufficient information about parties, policies, candidates and the election process itself to make informed choices. In addition, media serve as a critical watchdog for democratic elections, ensuring the process is open. Indeed it would be a paradox to have a democratic election without media freedom, or to have stifled media freedom.

The media have to uphold a high degree of professionalism, accuracy and impartiality in their reporting in order to serve their positions. Regulatory mechanisms have the ability to help maintain quality standards. Legislation and legislation should protect basic freedoms that are important for democracy, including freedom of information and speech, and participation. Meanwhile, laws such as requiring government media to provide equal reporting and reasonable access to opposing parties, financed from public funds, help ensure acceptable media conduct during elections.

In the proper functioning of a society the media play an invaluable role. Discussing the roles of the media in electoral contexts also focuses on their "watchdog" role: through unfettered analysis and debate of the achievements and shortcomings of candidates, governments, and electoral management bodies, the media may educate the public about how well they have performed and help keep them accountable. However, the media do have other functions in facilitating full public involvement in elections: educating voters about how to exercise their democratic rights; reporting on the progress of an election campaign; providing political parties and candidates with a forum for commuting;

The media plays a major role in keeping the citizenry up-to-date with current events and increasing awareness of various problems within every community. This also influences the opinions and way of thinking of the public very dramatically. The media is the main means of influencing and, at times, manipulating public opinion. If this is the function of the media then in normal course of events, in extraordinary times, one of which is electoral junctures, it becomes even more important when the media becomes a primary actor.

Elections represent a fundamental challenge for media, putting their impartiality and objectivity to the test. It is not and should not be the role of the media, particularly national media outlets, to act as a mouthpiece for any government body or particular candidate. Its fundamental function is to inform and educate the public and to serve as a neutral, impartial forum for free debate of all viewpoints