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Boston, November 1, 2012: With only one week left before voters go to the polls, TV coverage of election issues and the economy was drowned out by media focus on Hurricane Sandy, according to Media Tenor International.

Hurricane Sandy, the biggest storm to hit the US in years, grabbed the attention of US and international media this last week, which might have an impact on the election. In the past, natural catastrophes drastically changed national elections; in Germany 2002, as well as the tsunami that rocked Japan two years ago.

Coverage of both candidates centered around their cancelled campaign tours in swing states affected by Sandy, but Romney managed high visibility in Ohio. Obama´s higher visibility in relation to the hurricane generated little positive ratings.

“The New York Stock Exchange shut down for the first time since 1888,” notes Casey Chancellor, analyst at Media Tenor. “But the media has focused very little on this aspect and the economic implications of this storm.”

In addition, “Gallup stopped polling on the 28th and the Conference Board has yet to release October numbers,” adds Chancellor. “Essentially the positive tonality on the economy in September and October may have a lasting impression on voters.”

“Voters may commend Obama for his leadership position in offering federal support to victims, and the lack of negative focus on his economic policies may bode in his favor,” notes Chancellor. “However, Romney is still rated more positively overall in the media and in polls.”

With no debate in the media over important election issues so close to election day, it´s anyone´s game.

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