Why journalists do a bad job moderating debates (Episode 21.5)

Unspun

If debates make you cringe, you aren't alone1 Dr. Sturg breaks down how the way televised debates are structured benefits media and benefits candidates, but generally isn't that great for the audience. Journalists can't do a good job as both a journalist and a moderator at the same time, and the financial model for news doesn't incentivize them to try. And for candidates, using misleading tactics like the Gish Gallop and throwing barbs makes it more likely that they will stay in the news for longer. Learn her suggestion for getting the most out of debates in this week's episode.

Follow Dr. Sturg

Twitter -Prof. Amanda Sturgill (@DrSturg) / X
Websites -Sturg says|Unspun’s Substack

Questions and Tips

[e-mail]

Dr. Sturg’s Books

Detecting Deception: Tools to Fight Fake News

We are #AltGov