The CMFR Monitor of the News Media Coverage of the 2010 Campaign and Elections:Conclusions and Recommendations

The official election campaign starts today. How can the media raise the level of discourse in this year’s campaign?

The press could help by refusing to air or publish news that is mainly characterized by character assassination or unverified, partisan claims and accusations. The media could also express their preference for political advertisements that address issues, propose solutions and/or discuss policy options.

These are some of the conclusions and recommendations in the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) Monitor of the News Media Coverage of the 2010 Campaign and Elections. CMFR monitored media performance in the 2010 campaign and elections in the context of both the special circumstances in which they were taking place, and the opportunity for improved and meaningful reporting and analysis the exercise offered to the Philippine media.