While live blogs are widely used during elections, some publishers overlook the possibilities that post-election coverage has to offer. In this blog post, we explore how you can continue to connect with your readers even after the polls have closed.
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Provide a Space for Readers to Share Their Reactions
Elections can leave readers with a mix of emotions - excitement, confusion, even frustration. Once the election is over, many voters are left with unresolved feelings, seeking an outlet for expression. They often turn to social media, but discussions there quickly become chaotic and unproductive. Valid opinions are buried under a flood of conflicting emotions, arguments, and spam.
This is where publishers can step in by offering a moderated space for readers to share their thoughts. A well-managed comment section provides the familiar social media experience of sharing opinions and engaging with others, but in a more structured and constructive environment. Journalists can filter out inflammatory comments in the backend or even fact-check misleading information, sharing it right in the discussion. By doing so, publishers not only facilitate civil discourse but also build trust and deeper connections with their readers.
Empowering readers to voice their perspectives in post-election coverage can also combat growing news avoidance. The lack of agency to participate in and influence the news is one of the reasons people tune out. Publishers that create a sense of involvement and dialogue are more likely to bring readers back to news and cultivate loyal readership.
A week ago, the state elections in Thuringia and Saxony left German citizens grappling with a range of emotions. Instead of resorting to traditional "breaking news" coverage, MDR Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk launched a dedicated live blog just to talk to their readers. They invited readers to share their feelings, thoughts, hopes, and fears, resulting in 127 comments from supporters of various parties.
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Given that political comment sections can quickly become chaotic, we garnered some tips based on the MDR coverage to keep the conversation civil:
- Be Transparent: Inform readers about how comments are being managed and which types of comments will not be published.
- Set Clear Terms: Announce the opening of the comment section in advance and outline clear guidelines. Request readers to use their full names rather than nicknames to foster a respectful dialogue.
- Engage Reporters: Encourage reporters to participate in the comment section. This involvement helps to reduce incivility and maintain a constructive dialogue.
Help Them Understand Other People's Perspectives
After elections, people are often processing the outcomes, reflecting on their implications, and dealing with a range of emotions that influence their view of the political landscape. This period can also see heightened polarization between individuals with different views, beliefs, and backgrounds.
Unbiased media has a crucial role in helping readers understand these diverse perspectives. By showcasing a variety of voices, media outlets create a more inclusive narrative and avoid bias toward any single group. This approach helps readers see how different segments of the population are affected by electoral outcomes and provides a deeper context to the results. In an era where trust in media is fragile, delivering unbiased and inclusive coverage is especially valued by readers.
For example, after the state elections in Thuringia and Saxony, Die Zeit followed five voters of different ages and political views throughout the evening. In this live blog, they shared glimpses of their routines, their thoughts on the election, and their hopes and concerns for the future. The variety of perspectives made the coverage more relatable to a broader audience. By presenting these different viewpoints in a single engaging feed, Die Zeit prompted readers to reflect on how personal experiences shape political beliefs. Such coverage not only sparks a post-election conversation but also deepens the connection with readers through its inclusive approach.
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Live Blogs for Audience-First Post-Election Coverage
The drop in traffic on election topics after the polls close might tempt publishers to forgo post-election coverage. However, readers often value a space where they can continue to process events and express their feelings even after the votes are counted. For newsrooms, continuing post-election coverage offers several benefits:
- Ongoing Engagement: Popular election topics can continue driving reader interest long after elections. Publishers can keep the conversation going by offering updates on policy implementations, government formations, or reflections on election outcomes.
- Showing Newsroom Commitment: Readers might feel "abandoned" if coverage ends abruptly after the peak interest. Additionally, the post-election period is often rife with misinformation. Continuing coverage with transparent, fact-checked information reassures readers and reinforces the newsroom's commitment to providing reliable news.
- Building Trust: Engaging readers with thoughtful, ongoing content and encouraging meaningful conversations helps establish news outlets as trustworthy sources with their readers' best interests in mind.
- Fostering Long-Term Relationships: Ongoing, relevant coverage that invites reader participation makes readers feel valued and heard. This sense of connection encourages them to return to the publication in the future.
Conclusion
Post-election coverage is a crucial opportunity for publishers to deepen their connection with readers. By offering a space for readers to process their emotions, share their perspectives, and engage in ongoing dialogue, newsrooms can transform a temporary spike in interest into lasting engagement. Embracing diverse viewpoints and maintaining transparency not only helps counter misinformation but also builds reader trust and loyalty. As the political landscape evolves, so should our approach to covering it. By focusing on meaningful post-election interactions, publishers can turn fleeting moments of high traffic into enduring relationships with their audience.
