Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Top Stories

The vital link between a healthy press and our republic

The vital link between a healthy press and our republic
Getty Images

Kristina Becvar is the Chief Operating Officer of the Bridge Alliance.

"Our republic and its press will rise or fall together."


Joseph Pulitzer's timeless words resonate more profoundly than ever. They serve as a stark reminder of the critical role played by a healthy press in safeguarding our democracy.

Last week, Interactivity Foundation explored the legacy of Joseph Pulitzer, exploring the interconnectedness between a free press and the health of our democracy. Today, media independence is continually called into question, often resulting in the widespread dismissal of news that challenges deeply ingrained, tribal political views. However, we must not lose sight of the media's indispensable role in holding those in power accountable and shaping public discourse. Exposing corruption, fostering an informed citizenry, and demanding accountability from our leaders are the foundations of a thriving democracy.

Unfortunately, toxic narratives propagated by national political media have infiltrated state and local politics, casting a shadow over the healthier and more nuanced debates that are the lifeblood of our democratic process. The saturation of national political narratives in the media tends to overshadow the pressing state and local issues that are relevant to our civic lives. Yet, amidst this challenging environment, there are instances that inspire hope. Our members have brought to light remarkable examples where state and local elected leaders rise above the national rhetoric and instead focus on effective governance.

Sign up for The Fulcrum newsletter

In the most recent Divided We Fall article, Pennsylvania representative Arvind Venkat shed light on the perpetuation of polarization by national media, driven by pundits and legislators seeking airtime. Venkat emphasizes that the conflicts showcased in the media are not an accurate reflection of the practical, bipartisan work state legislators undertake daily to benefit residents and communities. Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum echoes this reality in the most recent podcast episode from Common Ground Committee. As a successful nonpartisan leader in a deeply conservative state, Mayor Bynum's administration serves as a compelling example of the power of diverse perspectives coming together to tackle major challenges.

As we navigate the news landscape, in the coming weeks, whether it’s the latest Supreme Court decisions or captivating headlines vying for our attention, let us harken back to the words of Joseph Pulitzer. Our republic and its press are intertwined, and their fate rests on our informed consumption of the news. With this in mind, we must approach our consumption of news with utmost intention, actively employing the valuable tips provided to process information responsibly and mitigate the influence of biases in the news.

Together, let us ensure that our democracy thrives by nurturing a healthy press that remains dedicated to transparency, accountability, and the relentless pursuit of truth. Our intentional consumption of the news is a vital key to unlocking a brighter future for all and fortifying the foundation of our republic.

Read More

Ballot box with North Carolina flag
Veronaa/Getty Images

Election Overtime Project heads to North Carolina

The Election Overtime Project, an effort to prepare journalists to cover the outcome of the 2024 election, is hosting its third swing-state briefing on Oct. 18, this time focused on North Carolina.

The series is a part of an effort to help reporters, TV anchors and others prepare America to understand and not fear close elections. Election Overtime is an initiative of the Election Reformers Network and developed in partnership with the Bridge Alliance, which publishes The Fulcrum.

Keep ReadingShow less
House chamber

Rep. Scott Perry objects to Pennsylvania's certification of its Electoral College vote during a joint session of Congress on Jan. 7, 2021.

Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

What voters need to know about the presidential election

It is quite clear that the presidential election is going to be incredibly close. In each of the seven swing states, the margin of error is less than 2 percent.

As citizens, this is not something to fear and it is critically important that we all trust the election results.

As part of our ongoing series for the Election Overtime Project, today we present a guide explaining in detail what you, as a voter, need to know about the role of state legislatures and Congress in a presidential election. The guide was prepared by the Election Reformers Network, a nonprofit organization championing impartial elections and concrete policy solutions that strengthen American democracy.

Keep ReadingShow less
Capitoll colored red and blue, split down the middle
Douglas Rissing/Getty Images

Prepare for heightened political trench warfare beyond Nov. 5

Merloe is a member of the Election Reformers Network Advisory Council and provides strategic advice on democracy and elections in the U.S. and internationally.

Political trench warfare is in full swing as the 2024 pre-election period draws to a close. And the signs are clear that battles will heat up all the way to Nov. 5 — and beyond — over voter qualification, voting, canvassing, certification of results and the allocation of Electoral College votes. With such a close election, both sides know that gaining inches can make a decisive difference, and they are skirmishing accordingly.

Keep ReadingShow less
cheering crowd
Nicholas Green/Unsplash

Voters, activists set to rally for open primaries ahead of historic elections

Griffiths is the national editor of Independent Voter News, where a version of this story first appeared.

The 2024 election cycle is already a historic year for election reform. Six states plus the District of Columbia have measures on the Nov. 5 ballot that open taxpayer-funded primary elections to voters outside the Republican and Democratic parties.

It is the first time in U.S. history that this many statewide primary reform initiatives have been offered up in the same election, something reform leaders are celebrating as they rally citizens to show their support for open primaries.

Keep ReadingShow less