Why do newspapers endorse candidates

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Stahl received the Poynter Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Journalism for her work serving democracy. Celebrate journalism: Get tickets. Login Register. Home Commentary Why do newspapers still make political endorsements? Commentary Newsletters. A portion of a Washington state mail-in ballot is shown with choices that include Donald Trump and Joe Biden for president.

By: Tom Jones. Are they still worth doing? Support high-integrity, independent journalism that serves democracy. Make a gift to Poynter today. The Poynter Institute is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, and your gift helps us make good journalism better. Tom Jones. He was previously part of the Tampa Bay Times family during three stints over some 30…. Those races and the copious candidates can be hard for the public to keep track of, but the editorial board spends each day immersed in local news, and it conducts interviews with the candidates.

So its endorsements can provide valuable insight to voters who haven't sifted through all the facts on their own. Endorsements of presidential candidates may seem less imperative, since voters particularly this year find themselves intimately inundated with months of election updates. It seems hard to believe anyone would need help forming an opinion. But the editorial board doesn't negate its duty. We think that editorial endorsements help provoke higher thought and cognition and is a motivation to partake in democracy.

But this year, there will be something different. The endorsement process will take place in a very public way. Today, we will explore how and why U. We will also show you how endorsements are changing in the modern media landscape. Newspaper endorsements are specific declarations or statements of support for a political candidate.

This candidate could be seeking the presidency or any number of local political offices. American newspapers have been endorsing U. The New York Times , for example, has been endorsing presidential candidates since Endorsements appear in the editorial section , which gives opinions.

The editorial section is separate from the news section. Candidates, if they get a good endorsement, are likely to use them in campaign ads. The newspaper — and other community organizations — serve as a credible third-party validator.

This cannot be done if endorsements occur within a week of an election. Over the years I have enjoyed an active role in the political arena. I have high regard for candidates, campaign managers and community organizations that get involved. I have the highest regard for those who campaign with respect for their opponents and for others. The newspaper is making a mistake taking itself out of the arena. Jon M.