Media Election Coverage with WOSU's Mike Thompson

We are celebrating 100+ years of public service by the WOSU team: journalists, directors, producers, editors, technical wizards, and the dozens of staff who provide solid information to Central Ohio! We welcome Mike Thompson, Chief Content Director of News & Public Affairs for WOSU!

Our goal for this episode is to delve into the reporting of elections. We support and encourage the need for an educated electorate – and we want to ensure that you, our listener, can find the information and resources you need.

There have been so many changes in the news media over the past decade. Voters are in a 24/7 whirlwind barrage of news. How do you see your role in the creation and delivery of news, particularly political and election news?

We know democracy is dependent upon fair and successful voting by the electorate. What do you think has changed in people’s attitude toward voting – why do so few vote?

Finance Reform is in the news again. Current financing strategies based upon “dark money” – literally spending millions of dollars for individual candidates or issues – have greatly affected election results. Congress cannot come to any conclusions and donors just keep sending money. Is finance reform a real issue?

Many legislators have charged local election boards with new policies. Ohio had been on the cutting edge of creating elections that were inclusive but kept our votes safe. What has changed – did we go too far accommodating all voters? Or, are we now cutting voters out of the process?

There are so many challenges for media owners/directors to maintain balanced reporting of news, while still making a profit. Are we able to maintain election stability and transparency when “news” is inherently one-sided?

Do you see media affecting different generations differently? And how have the various social media platforms – Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc. – changed WOSU?

Do you have advice for young journalists?

Be sure to check out Mike's latest podcast with co-host Steve Brown, Snollygoster.

We would love to hear from you.

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And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.

Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.

Copyright 2026 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson