Existing research on German media reveals few differences when comparing coverage of Angela Merkel’s campaigns for Chancellor to those of her male opponents, except that Merkel receives greater coverage of her appearance. This paper looks at media coverage of campaigns for Minister President. It investigates the potential effects of the intersectional identities of candidates, looking at differences in gender, religion, party, and territory (former East versus former West German states).
Differences in candidate identity may affect media coverage. For example, female candidates on the left may be more subject to the so-called “mommy problem,” whereby left-wing women are considered more competent on social policy, but weaker on “masculine” issues such as taxation. Female candidates on the right might avoid this problem, as might female candidates from the former East, which has a significantly different history in terms of mothers’ employment. This research should help us understand whether Merkel receives relatively balanced coverage because 1) balanced coverage is the norm; 2) women from the former East receive balanced coverage; or 3) women on the right receive balanced coverage. This study will provide insight into the question of whether intersectional identities are reflected differently by the media.
