Spiral of Cynicism

This work provides evidence that the way the American news and broadcast media cover political issues and events causes increased voter cynicism and non-participation. It examines how the media covers political campaigns and significant legislation, such as the passage of health care reform.

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This is the first study to provide conclusive evidence that the way the American news and broadcast media currently cover political issues and events directly causes increased voter cynicism and non-participation. In a path-breaking study, Jamieson and Cappella examine how the media cover both political campaigns and significant legislation (the passage of health care reform). The focus on the game of politics, rather than its substance, fuels a cycle of cynicism, trapping media, politicians and voters. Giving reason to hope, the authors provide detailed discussion of what the media could do to halt the current cycle of cynicism.