Donald Trump’s primary election victory marked a turning point for understanding media dynamics. This study examines how news coverage affected public interest and candidate support leading up to the 2016 Republican primaries.

Media Attention & Polling

News outlets measured campaign visibility by tracking mentions in major newspapers, online articles, and broadcast reports. They analyzed quantity of coverage versus poll performance across all candidates.

Key Findings

• Quantity mattered for most candidates: increased media attention boosted public polling interest but not support
• Trump was an exception: his approval ratings saw a modest increase following heightened press exposure

Policy Implications

These results highlight how news organizations can significantly impact political visibility and potentially influence election outcomes through coverage patterns.