Covering politics, parliament, and elections

Here we look at the relationship between journalists and politicians. We have articles about how to interview politicians and avoid manipulation. We also look at how to report on parliament and cover elections, including planning effective election coverage, retaining editorial independence, avoiding bias, investigating irregularities, and staying safe.

Image by Theilr released via Creative Commons CC BY-SA 2.0

Journalists and politicians

Journalism is often referred to as “the fourth estate”, and is seen as being crucial to the functioning of a healthy and fair society.
Image by U.S. Department of Agriculture released via Creative Commons CC BY-SA 2.0

Interviewing politicians

Master political interviews: learn to navigate scripted lines and handle evasive answers to ensure you uncover the facts the public needs to hear.
Image by kellinahandbasket released via Creative Commons CC BY-NC 2.0

Avoiding manipulation

One of the roles of the journalist is to scrutinise the decisions made by politicians and report the implications to the public.
Slide by David Brewer released via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0.

Planning effective election coverage

Planning is essential for journalists to produce effective election coverage.
Image by Anthony Karanja released via Creative Commons CC BY 2.0

Editorial independence during elections

Election coverage is one of the most critical responsibilities of the media. It shapes public discourse, informs voters, and plays a vital role in safeguarding democracy.
Image by Adam Lisagor released via Creative Commons CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Avoiding bias during election coverage

During elections politicians will often accuse media organisations and their journalists of bias. We look at the challenges of producing fair election coverage.
Image by Kelly Static released via Creative Commons CC BY-SA 2.0

Investigating election irregularities

What should journalists look out for when covering elections? We look at five areas.
Image by Russell Trow released via Creative Commons CC BY 2.0

Media safety during elections

Journalists covering elections should never carry a weapon, should have first aid training, dress appropriately, listen to the locals and avoid confrontation.
Image by melfoody released via Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND 2.00

Parliamentary reporting for beginners

To cover parliament, a journalist must master local laws, procedure, and political parties, backed by a solid grasp of history.
Image of a confidential document changing hands - created using Imagen 3 by David Brewer of MHM

Handling story leaks and tip-offs

A critical factor for journalists when handling and disseminating leaked material is the need to take account of the motives of the leaker.
Propaganda graphic produced by Google Gemini AI

Journalism and propaganda

Journalists must recognise propaganda to avoid spin and deliver factual news. Ensuring the public is properly informed is essential for credible journalism.

Related learning resources

Graphic for a Media Helping Media Lesson Plan

Lesson: How to interview politicians

This lesson plan is designed to help journalism students interview politicians in order to uncover answers that inform the audience.
Graphic for a Media Helping Media Lesson Plan

Lesson: Planning tips for effective election coverage

A lesson outline for trainers to teach students how to plan election coverage.
Graphic for a MHM lesson plan

Lesson: Journalism and propaganda

This lesson plan is designed to help journalists recognise the different propaganda and discover ways to deal with it when covering news.

Hosted by the Fojo Media Institute

Fojo logoMedia Helping Media is hosted by the Fojo Media Institute at Linnaeus University.

Follow Media Helping Media on Facebook

MHM on FacebookCheck our Facebook page for regular updates from Media Helping Media.

Content released under Creative Commons

Creative Commons logoThe content on Media Helping Media (MHM) is released via Creative Commons BY NC SA 4.0.