Which of the following describes how media framing can influence elections?

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Media framing affects elections by determining what issues people pay attention to, shaping how they view the candidates, and controlling which narratives are emphasized. When coverage highlights certain topics—like the economy, crime, or national security—that topic becomes more salient in voters’ minds. The way a candidate is described—competent or reckless, trustworthy or dishonest—alters how voters interpret their abilities and character. The particular story line that media outlets push—framing a race as a reform fight, a battle against corruption, or a clash over values—provides a lens through which policies and actions are understood. These effects are especially influential for undecided voters or those with limited political knowledge, and they can nudge opinions by shifting attention, interpretation, and emphasis. But framing does not guarantee a specific electoral result, nor does it alter the ballot design.