Bandwagon Journalism

Joseph Graf

Bandwagon journalism is a type of media behavior whereby journalists follow the actions and storylines of other journalists or broad trends in media coverage as a result of journalism habits, mores, and culture. The term often refers to political news coverage, although the topic of the media coverage can vary, and it is often meant as a pejorative. The term is also somewhat archaic and not widely used today, though “pack journalism” is still heard and has a similar meaning. The term takes its name from the late-nineteenth-century bandwagon, a large wagon pulled by draft animals that was part of political processions, sometimes even carrying a band, but also often carrying political figures. The term also refers to circus bandwagons, which were used to carry circus animals, musicians, and supplies. To jump or hop on the bandwagon indicated one's willingness to join the winning political side or the side appearing ...

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