Date of Graduation

5-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts in Journalism

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Journalism

Advisor/Mentor

Stewart, Patrick

Committee Member

Foster, Bobbie

Second Committee Member

Reed, Joel

Abstract

In this study, the two 2024 presidential debates were analyzed for a variety of different trends including: who was on screen, the different camera shots used, and camera movement. Looking specifically at who was on screen, coding counted the moderators, Donald Trump, Joe Biden, and Kamala Harris. Six different camera shot types were also analyzed including: wide-overview shot, split-screen format, single medium shot, two-shot head on, two-shot low camera angle, and two shot high-camera angle. Camera movement behaviors were: counterclockwise motion, clockwise motion, zoom-in, zoom-out, and no movement. Video formats of the 2024 CNN and ABC debates were run through Observer XT, a coding software, and were examined for the frequency and duration of each behavior. After that, all coding was exported and sorted for each behavior throughout both of the debates. Patterns and trends for each debate are also analyzed. Results share what shot type and movement type was used most frequently and took up the most time during each debate, as well as who spent the most time on screen.

Keywords

Debate; Candidate; Camera Shot; Camera Movement; Time on Screen; Politics; Bias; Presidential

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