In case you didn't notice, the voters sent the media a message as well

Beyond the numbers of the election are the reasons people cast their ballots. If you take the time to look deeper and truly analyze the election, you'll find your story ideas for the next year or so.

And if you think you can go back to chasing the scanner today, you obviously missed the whole point of the election.

It is said that people vote their pocketbook, and that was certainly true this year.

But viewers often choose their television station based on the same factors that makes them cast a ballot one way or another.

Bill Clinton rode to victory on the slogan, "It's the economy, stupid." Television stations might do well to post that on every newsroom wall.

If you want people to watch your station, do stories that truly affect their lives. Right now that means finding a job, making ends meet, dealing with new health care regulations, and other issues that pushed the hot buttons of voters. Do stories that explain, that help, that make lives easier. Show viewers you care about them and you'll get their votes in the ratings book.

Here's your chance to do stories that truly impact people. Because the voters have spoken, and they're not only talking to the politicians.


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