Has the media always aggressively tried to influence elections?

[JoeMichael67]

I didn't really start paying attention to the news and elections until around the 2012 election. It's no secret that the media now tries to influence elections to the extreme by smearing anyone challenging Biden, even other democrats. Has it always been this way? Or did it get worse after Trump in 2016?

[WindAtMyBack]

To some degree it's always been that way, probably going back thousands of years.

Television changed things. In the early 60s, half of Americans had TV for the first time. By the late 60s, half had color television. TV proved to be a very influential media. It played a big role in all the turmoil of the 60s and 70s.

Television networks began to realize how much power they had. By the late 70s they were starting to exploit it. News also became a big business during that time, whereas before it was almost more like a public service. By the late 70s, the news no longer pretended to be pure news - it became blatantly biased. It became editorial, full of all kinds of opinions and political views disguised as news.

Other television also started to exploit their power. Everything from prime time, daytime shows, talk show, and even children's programming began pushing an agenda.

Other forms of media did much the same, but most were not as influential as TV. Combined they might be, but TV was highly targeted.

And yes, they absolutely try to influence elections. It has a tremendous effect.

[NaultD]

Look up "October surprise." Election is days away let's freak people out. Being a for profit business and not for the people directly you need to find ways to make money.

[Taffy1234]

They really can't be called "news" outlets, anymore. It's all bought and paid for propaganda.

[purplepoppy]

British tabloids have long decided who the prime minister is going to be.