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Canada Votes 2008
Lifeline Communications will provide ongoing analysis of campaign media coverage during Election 2008.
Our media analysis will feature our NewsInfluence Index, which offers an indicator of the tone, volume and prominence of campaign coverage in major national news media. |
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Resources |
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Media Links |
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NewsInfluence Index - Sept. 19-20/08 |
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NewsInfluence Index Lifeline Communications calculates our NewsInfluence index, based on the number, prominence and tone of media items. The formula offsets negative, neutral, and positive media coverage, and assigns greater weight to prominent media items such as front page articles and higher ranking in television newscasts. The NewsInfluence index provides an indicator of the volume and tone of campaign coverage received by political parties in national news media.
The NewsInfluence Index covers major campaign items published in the Victoria Times Colonist, Vancouver Sun, Edmonton Journal, Calgary Herald, Regina Leader-Post, Saskatchewan StarPhoenix, Winnipeg Free Press, Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, National Post, Ottawa Citizen, and Montreal Gazette. The index also covers major campaign news items in television newscasts by CBC, CTV and Global National.
© Lifeline Communications Group Inc. 2005 - 2008 |
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Sept. 20/08
Mixed Election Coverage Concludes Campaign Week 2 |
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NDP +7 · Positive election coverage for NDP attacks about the federal government’s handling of the listeria health crisis is offset by more problems with party candidates who promote illegal drug use. Conservative +5.5 · A heavy volume of election coverage for the Conservative campaign was mixed in tone, resulting in a low NewsInfluence Index. · Positive news reports highlighted Leader Stephen Harper’s attack against the Liberals for backing away from their controversial ‘Green Shift’ policy on the environment. Positive coverage also highlighted a small increase in voter support, and comments by Harper on turmoil in financial markets. · Several negative media items emphasized ongoing controversy over the government’s handling of the national listeria outbreak, and more demands for the agriculture minister to resign. Liberal +3 · News reports were also mixed for the Liberal Party. · Several positive media items highlighted a farm policy announcement, more criticism for the federal government’s handling of the listeria health crisis, and improved performance on the campaign trail. · In negative tones, election coverage emphasized Leader Stephane Dion is backing away from his controversial ‘Green Shift’ policy. Craig Oliver commented on CTV News that the Liberals do not look like a winning campaign, and apparently hope to hold the Conservatives to another minority government. BQ +2 · A light volume of coverage noted complaints about cuts in federal funding for community organizations in Quebec. Green -1 · In negative tones, CBC News highlighted a Green Party policy error. Some positive items briefly noted Liberal Elizabeth May will lead off televised leaders’ debates. |
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News reports turn mixed at the end the second week of the federal election campaign. Negative media attention on the listeria outbreak is moderated by positive poll results for the Conservatives. Negative media on the Liberal ‘Green Shift’ plan is offset by farm policy announcements. Positive coverage for NDP attacks on listeria are offset by more candidate troubles. |
