5 fascinating digital media studies from fall 2018
In this piece we wrote for Nieman Lab, we spotlight five studies on topics such as how Twitter affects journalists’ news judgment and how often we remember where we read a news story.
Media
Research roundups, articles, explainers and tip sheets about how journalists report the news and how audiences consume it
Expert Commentary
Political polarization increases after local newspapers close
After local newspapers close, political polarization among voters increases, according to new research in the Journal of Communication.
Expert Commentary
Partisanship of journalists’ Twitter networks tends to show in their work
There’s a clear link between the accounts journalists follow on Twitter and the partisanship of their work, finds a new study from researchers at Northeastern University and the University at Buffalo.
Expert Commentary
Academic experts cited more in “horse race” election coverage
Journalists were much more likely to rely on academic experts when their coverage of midterm congressional elections focused on political strategy than when it focused on policy issues, according to a new study.
Expert Commentary
The margin of error: 7 tips for journalists covering polls and surveys
To help journalists understand margin of error and how to correctly interpret data from surveys and polls, we’ve put together a list of seven tips, including clarifying examples.
Expert Commentary
Beyond Gab: The widespread social problem of online extremism
“If it’s not Gab, it’s going to be another platform… the sentiment and the ideas fostered by these communities are not going to be fazed by technology.”
Expert Commentary
Crowdfunding raised millions for scientifically dubious medical treatments
Over two years, more than 1,000 medical crowdfunding campaigns raised nearly $7 million for scientifically unsupported or potentially dangerous treatments.
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Covering identity politics: Tips from the Washington Post’s Eugene Scott
Washington Post reporter Eugene Scott talks about the role of identity politics in the upcoming midterm elections and what he thinks journalists can do to improve their coverage.
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How the news media portray gun owners: Research to consider
We’ve gathered research to help journalists consider how they cover a group with whom some appear to have trouble relating: gun owners and people who use firearms.
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Local news and civic accountability: 5 questions for Setti Warren
We spoke with Setti Warren to learn more about his thoughts on the relationship between local government and local news.
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