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 Roper Center for Public Opinion Research community 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 at Cornell University will host a 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. Those located at Cornell's Ithaca, New York campus, have the opportunity to attend a campus viewing party of the livestream.   

Registration 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 at Cornell. “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. Those interested in presenting at a future roundtable are invited to contact Brett Powell, associate director at Roper.