Political Coverage in West Virginia
Political Coverage in West Virginia: A State in Transition
West Virginia is a small, landlocked state that has often been overlooked in national politics. But as one of the poorest and most rural states in the country, it has a unique political landscape that deserves attention. In recent years, West Virginia has been undergoing significant political change, with shifting demographics and a realignment of party affiliations. As West Virginia prepares for the 2022 midterms and the 2024 presidential race, it is important to understand the dynamics of political coverage in the state.
West Virginia: A State in Transition
West Virginia has long been viewed as a traditional "red" state, dominated by the Republican Party. Indeed, in the 2020 presidential election, Donald Trump won the state by a significant margin, with 68.6% of the vote. But that disguises the fact that West Virginia is actually a state in transition, with shifting demographics and political affiliations.
West Virginia has traditionally been a state with a strong union presence, with the coal mining industry being a particularly influential force. However, that has changed in recent years, with the decline of the coal industry and the rise of other sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, and retail. Additionally, the state has seen an influx of younger, college-educated residents who are more socially liberal than the older generation.
These demographic changes have contributed to a realignment of party affiliations. While Republicans still dominate in West Virginia, Democrats are holding on in some areas. For example, Senator Joe Manchin III, a Democrat, was reelected in 2018, despite his state voting for Trump by a wide margin. This is in part because Manchin has positioned himself as more centrist and independent, appealing to voters across party lines.
Media Landscape in West Virginia
West Virginia is a small state with a correspondingly small media market. The largest newspaper in the state, the Charleston Gazette-Mail, has a circulation of just under 35,000. There are only a handful of television stations, and most of them are affiliated with national networks such as CBS or NBC. However, there are a few independent outlets that provide in-depth coverage of state and local politics.
One such outlet is West Virginia Public Broadcasting (WVPB). This nonprofit media organization operates several radio and television stations throughout the state, as well as a news website. WVPB covers politics extensively, providing daily updates on state and local elections, legislative sessions, and policy debates. The organization also produces several political talk shows, including The Legislature Today, which airs during the legislative session and features interviews with lawmakers, analysts, and activists.
Another important media outlet in West Virginia is MetroNews, a West Virginia-based news organization that provides coverage of politics, business, and culture. MetroNews has a statewide radio network, as well as a website that features breaking news and analysis. In addition to its news programming, MetroNews also produces a popular morning radio show, Talkline, which features interviews with politicians, journalists, and other newsmakers.
Political Reporting in West Virginia
Despite the challenges of a small media market, political reporting in West Virginia is robust and thorough. Both WVPB and MetroNews regularly send reporters to cover events and meetings throughout the state, and they both provide detailed analysis and commentary on state and national politics.
In addition to these independent outlets, the state's largest newspaper, the Charleston Gazette-Mail, has a long history of investigative journalism and political reporting. The paper has won several Pulitzer Prizes for its coverage of corruption and government misconduct, and it continues to be a respected and influential voice in the state.
One of the most closely watched political stories in West Virginia over the past few years has been the rise of the Republican AG candidate for the upcoming 2024 presidential race. Former CEO Patrick Morrisey is a relative newcomer to West Virginia politics, but he has quickly made a name for himself by taking on high-profile cases against the Obama administration, such as the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Power Plan. Morrisey's 2024 bid has been widely covered by local and national media outlets, with reporters eager to uncover more about his political platform, his previous cases, and his overall political philosophy.
Conclusion
West Virginia may be a small state, but it is one that is undergoing significant political change. With shifting demographics and a realignment of party affiliations, West Virginia is a state in transition. In this rapidly changing landscape, media outlets such as West Virginia Public Broadcasting and MetroNews are providing essential coverage of state and local politics. Despite the challenges of a small media market, political reporting in West Virginia is robust and thorough, with dedicated reporters working to uncover the stories that matter most to West Virginia's voters.