Application of Functional Theory of Political Discourse in Chilean presidential debates to determine the influence of journalists in the contents

Within the growing academic interest over electoral debates, role of journalists who conduct debates in determining tenor answers has not been sufficiently studied. We used Chile as an extreme case, given predominant that debate moderators receive here, thanks to “journalistic panel” format utilized them, where they take turns interview candidates. As a framework describe these contents, we Functional Theory Political Discourse by William Benoit. Our data show that, indeed, candidates use different combinations said functions, depending on frameworks established rules for each debate. Clearly, tend defend themselves from attacks journalists, rather than their rivals’; and other strategies when allow them more freedom.