On October 3, Dr. Erik Nisbet of the School of Communication moderated a panel discussion about the media's role in elections across different countries. The panel was composed of international media and election experts from the Comparative National Elections Project representing Russia, Mexico, Germany, Portugal and South Africa. Attendees participated in the panel discussion during the Q&A portion of the session. 

The panel explored the role and the rules that govern media influence and how it varies widely from country to country. Some countries have adopted American norms and practices when it comes to campaign advertising and how the press covers the election. Other countries have rejected American norms and have created their own. In many countries the media promotes free and democratic elections. Yet in others, the media is a tool of autocrats to maintain their power.