Story perspectives

Study Finds US Election Coverage Skews Toward Scandals

8/29/2026

Summary

Lokmanoglu Analyzes Election Media

Ayse D. Lokmanoglu’s team published a study finding election coverage favored strategy and legal scandals over policy.
The analysis showed President Donald Trump received negative coverage while Kamala Harris saw a surge after her nomination.
The study identified five themes: campaign frames, Trump family legal issues, domestic and foreign policy, legislation.
Campaign-frame coverage surged after Biden’s withdrawal and the Democratic National Convention.

Summary

Lokmanoglu Flags Bias

Researcher Ayse D. Lokmanoglu said the study examined only five center or center-left newspapers.
The analysis omitted right-leaning outlets, limiting insight into the American media spectrum.
The sentiment algorithm counted predefined words, missing sarcasm, subtext, and ambiguity.
Selection required mentions of President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, or President Donald Trump, excluding broader policy discussions.
Researchers propose using language models and linking news data with social-media metrics in studies.

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Lokmanoglu Analyzes Election Media

Ayse D. Lokmanoglu’s team published a study finding election coverage favored strategy and legal scandals over policy.
The analysis showed President Donald Trump received negative coverage while Kamala Harris saw a surge after her nomination.
The study identified five themes: campaign frames, Trump family legal issues, domestic and foreign policy, legislation.
Campaign-frame coverage surged after Biden’s withdrawal and the Democratic National Convention.

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