Final answer:
Election campaign coverage by the media has shifted its focus from in-depth discussions of policy issues to highlighting the drama and strategy of political races, often prioritizing entertainment value over substantive reporting.
Step-by-step explanation:
The focus of media attention in election campaign coverage has dramatically shifted from what was once a thorough discussion on policy issues to what is now more of a spotlight on the drama and spectacle of political races. According to Pew Research's analysis of the 2012 election, a significant majority of stories (64%) zeroed in on campaign strategy rather than the actual stances of candidates on pertinent issues. Matters such as a candidate's domestic issue position, public record, and foreign policy viewpoints took a backseat, with their profiles receiving 9%, 6%, and 1% of coverage, respectively.
Traditional in-depth coverage of candidates has been overshadowed by short, snappy sound bites, strategic moves, missteps, and dramatic revelations. Media outlets, including television news and newspapers, have opted for a style that prioritizes horse-race journalism and coverage of colorful personalities and events, which is more engaging and profitable but less informative for the electorate. Consequently, a broad discussion of policy issues is notably absent from media narratives, deviating from the essential role of the media in facilitating a well-informed democratic process.