This book investigates the evolution of media coverage of Irish elections from 1969 to the present. The authors, drawing on a unique dataset of 25 million words from newspapers, radio, and television, analyze how reporting has shifted in terms of framing, tone, and distribution of coverage. They explore the influence of economic factors, the portrayal of leaders and personalities, gender representation, and the impact of the commercial basis of media outlets on election reporting. The findings, derived from a large-scale content analysis employing machine learning, offer insights for academics, politicians, and policymakers.

The book offers a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of Irish election media coverage, making it a valuable resource for academics and professionals in political science and journalism. Its methodological approach, utilizing a substantial dataset and machine learning, suggests a rigorous and detailed examination of the subject matter. The focus on framing, tone, and economic influences provides a nuanced perspective on how elections are presented to the public. The findings are likely to be of significant interest to those involved in politics and policy-making, offering empirical insights into media's role in democratic processes.