When major news stories break—from elections to policy debates—journalists often turn to public opinion data to help explain not just what is happening, but how people across the country may respond. In an upcoming event, the Cornell Ithaca campus community and others attending via Zoom will have an opportunity to engage with leading journalists about how polling data informs their reporting and analysis. 

On April 14 at 2:00 p.m. EDT, the Roper Center for Public Opinion Research at Cornell University will host an on-campus viewing party in 291 Clark Hall for their Roper Roundtable: “Exploring Relationships Between Journalism and Public Opinion.” The roundtable discussion will take place via Zoom and feature journalists Ariel Edwards-Levy, polling, and analytics editor at CNN; Philip Bump, author, and former consultant for The Washington Post; and Nathaniel Rakich, managing editor at Votebeat.  

Registration for in-person or online participation is required. 

During the roundtable, the panelists will share their experiences using polling data to analyze and report on complicated social phenomena. Attendees will be able to submit questions to the panelists during a live question-and-answer session following the discussion. 

This roundtable is co-sponsored by the Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, the Leonore Annenberg Institute for Civics at the University of Pennsylvania, the Journalist’s Resource, and Marist Poll.  

“Survey data add so much life to a news story, bringing rich context about what the public feels and believes,” said Jonathon P. Schuldt, executive director of the Roper Center for Public Opinion Research and professor of communication and public policy. “It’s an honor for us to be hosting these esteemed journalists for this important conversation.” 

The Roper Roundtable series convenes scholars and students, journalists, advisors, and analysists each semester to explore how public opinion research can illuminate important societal questions. The series highlights innovative uses of polling data across academia, media, and public life. 

The event is open to anyone interested in journalism, survey research, and public opinion. Cornell researchers interested in presenting at a future roundtable are invited to contact Brett Powell, associate director at Roper. 

Megan Pillar is the communications specialist for societal systems within Cornell Research & Innovation