Translating research for the public good…
- Public reports
- Research-informed op-eds
- Media interviews
Public Reports
In this report, we analyze 2022 public opinion survey data to investigate the Wisconsin public’s media diets, which shape and reflect political divides, and how they compare nationally. Where do Wisconsinites get information about politics? Are we stuck in partisan bubbles, or are we broadly exposed to views of political opponents? What are the implications for civic health? And how does Wisconsin compare to the nation?
Civic Fracture & Renewal in Wisconsin: A Report on the Public’s Civic Attitudes and Behaviors. March 2023.
In this report, we analyze 2022 public opinion survey data to investigate social and political symptoms emerging from Wisconsin’s political divides, and how they compare nationally. While the diagnosis is grim, we also identify opportunities for a healthier long-term prognosis, highlighting substantial agreement across divides on ways to repair democracy in Wisconsin.
Research-informed Op-Eds
“Political rifts end friendships, spark safety fears in Wisconsin, but civics can be healed.” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, May 11, 2023.
“New Survey Data on Who Americans Look to for Election Administration.” Bipartisan Policy Center, November 2, 2022.
“When Do Voters Support the Green New Deal of Black Lives Matter?” Washington Post, The Monkey Cage, December 8, 2020.
“Take Back Our Presidential Debates.” Isthmus, September 30, 2020.
“Real Voting Equality.” Scholars Strategy Network, June 9, 2020.
“How Media Consumption Patterns Fuel Conspiratorial Thinking.,” Brookings Institution’s TechStream, May 26, 2020.
“When are Readers Likely to Believe a Fact Check.” Brookings Institution’s TechStream, May 27, 2020.
“Wisconsin is scheduled to vote today. How will the pandemic affect turnout?” Washington Post, The Monkey Cage, April 7, 2020.
“What Makes Wisconsin Swing?” Vox, Mischiefs of Faction, March 29, 2019.
“Wisconsinites Want Nonpartisan Redistricting and Voice for Political Minorities.” Capital Times, March 23, 2019.
“It’s Up to the People to Save Democracy in Wisconsin.” Wisconsin State Journal, December 4, 2018.
Media Interviews
Wisconsin Public Radio
Understanding Facebook’s Impact On Politics. (Aug 1, 2023)
Measuring Wisconsin’s Civic And Political Divides — And How To Repair Them. (Apr. 3, 2023)
How To Revitalize Civil Discourse In Wisconsin. (Nov. 17, 2022)
How Pundits Misjudged Midterm Election Results. (Nov. 10, 2022)
Inside The Messaging Of Biden’s Philadelphia Speech on American Democracy. (Sept. 2, 2022)
How Wisconsin Became A Polarized Battleground State. (Mar. 2, 2022)
The Rise Of The Phrase ‘Let’s Go Brandon,’ And Its Political Implications. (Nov. 16, 2021)
How Should The Press Cover The Presidency? (Mar. 31, 2021)
Analyzing The Media’s Language Used To Describe DC Mob. (Jan. 12, 2021)
The Latest Battleground Poll From UW’s Elections Research Center. (Sept. 24, 2020)
How The Media Are Covering George Floyd Protests And Violence. (June 1, 2020)
Polls Show Strong Support For Stay-At-Home Measures As Opponents Protest Guidelines At State Capitol. (Apr. 24, 2020)
A Look At The Flare Up Between Pompeo and NPR. (Jan. 27, 2020)
A Look At UW Madison Research On Polarization And The Media. (Dec. 19, 2019)
What Makes For A Good Debate, And Whether Debates Still Matter. (Jun. 26, 2019)
Majority Of Americans Feel News Media Doesn’t Understand People Like Them. (Jan. 31, 2019)
Are You Burned Out On Political News? (Sept. 20, 2018)
Wisconsin Public Television
Michael Wagner on Fights over Facts Before the 2022 Election. (Nov. 4, 2022)
Impeachment and Polarization. (Jan. 29, 2021)
How Balanced is Wisconsin’s Media Diet? (Apr. 5, 2019)
Expert Breaks Down Surprise Special Election. (Jan. 19, 2018)
Journalism Professor Discusses President Trump, Press (Jan. 27, 2017)