Americans have always been interested in politics. As such, the media has been involved in the political process since the founding of the country, serving a valuable role our democracy and rightfully earning the nickname "the Fourth Estate."
The chief advantage of using the media to reach constituents is coverage: a single message can reach a wider audience more efficiently than other forms of political communication, such as campaign events.
Newspapers are a perennial communication tool connecting the electorate and candidates, reporting on events, introducing candidates to the voters, and running advertisements.
![Creator unknown, Newspaper ad for Woodrow Wilson’s reelection, [Baltimore Sun], November 4, 1916, from the Willard Saulsbury, Jr., papers](https://exhibitions.lib.udel.edu/trail-to-the-voting-booth/wp-content/uploads/sites/97/2020/09/wilson_ad_newspaper_1916-1-scaled-e1599764952102.jpg "Creator unknown, Newspaper ad for Woodrow Wilson’s reelection, [Baltimore Sun], November 4, 1916, from the Willard Saulsbury, Jr., papers")
In the twentieth century, radio, and later television, became more important tools for direct communication with voters.
J. Allen Frear, Jr., This Week In Congress Radio Address: Reflections on 6 years in Congress, August 4, 1954, from the Senator J. Allen Frear, Jr., papers
This Week In Congress Radio Address: Reflections on 6 years in Congress
![Reni Newsphoto Services, Media appearances, “Face the Nation,” Geo. Niven [?], Senator John J. Williams, Ellen Wadley [?], April 5, 1964, from the Senator John J. Williams papers](https://exhibitions.lib.udel.edu/trail-to-the-voting-booth/wp-content/uploads/sites/97/2020/09/media-appearances_face-the-nation_4_5_64_8_8c-e1599394008392.jpg "Reni Newsphoto Services, Media appearances, “Face the Nation,” Geo. Niven [?], Senator John J. Williams, Ellen Wadley [?], April 5, 1964, from the Senator John J. Williams papers")
