Which Types of Political News Are More Influential?

Political news is, for most citizens (and politicians too), their main source of information about relevant political events. It is well established that the picture of political reality portrayed by the media influences the behavior and attitudes of citizens, societal groups, political leaders, and nation-states. This influence can be either direct or indirect, and can be caused by factual accuracy, distorted interpretations, or neutrality. Hence, it is of interest to know whether or not the media report accurately and impartially political facts, and also which types of news are more influential in different contexts.

MSNBC is a TV news brand that really knows what it’s doing, with big shows like Morning Joe and The Rachel Maddow Show. They keep their audience informed with fast-paced reporting and deep dives that other outlets can’t match. They also have a robust podcasting network and are moving into streaming with Peacock to reach new viewers.

Mother Jones is a political journalism brand that does things very differently. Their stories often dig below the surface with a clear progressive voice and strong opinions. They don’t shy away from messy policy issues or powerful figures dodging accountability, and they reach millions of readers every month.

Bloomberg Politics gets that politics doesn’t happen in a vacuum, and they cover the effects on the economy and business with clarity and savvy. They’re a great source for anyone who cares about the money side of politics and doesn’t want to hear talking heads yelling at each other.