Media must focus

It is difficult for voters to make informed choices about political candidates without the help of the media.

As a watchdog on government, a major role the media plays is that of blowing away dust and providing a clear and accurate picture of candidates for voters.

They should reveal candidates' knowledge, expertise and where they stand on public policy.

However, the scrutinizing of a candidate's character, mud-slinging and unsubstantiated charges associated with the horse race aspect of campaigns may very well contribute to voter apathy.

Voter turnout has been declining sharply as the public loses trust in elected officials.

It is the readers who suffer the consequences of the media, which blurs the candidates.

The media need to reclaim their focal point. They should devote more time to the hard issues and less time and space to personality, motivation and unretainable information that will not help voters make educated choices.

Instead of sifting through so much information on campaign strategy and tactics and who is ahead in the polls, the media need to focus on the core of elections.

If the media adhere to their role, civic activism can again be restored.