Impact of Local Media Coverage on Wikipedia Notability: A Case Study of Politicians Transitioning to Celebrity
The question arises: If a local newspaper covers a politician but then stops covering them when they switch careers to become a world-renowned A-list celebrity, would that affect Wikipedia's perception of the politician-celebrity's notability?
Defining Local Media
The term local is crucial in determining notability for a politician on Wikipedia. A truly local newspaper covering a local politician would likely not justify a dedicated Wikipedia article, especially if the politician is not getting national recognition. However, if the newspaper in question has state-wide or city-wide influence, such as newspapers in a US state or major cities like London, the politician may meet the threshold for notability.
Transition of Career and Notability
The act of a politician switching careers does not inherently diminish their notability. If the person transitions to a career as a world-famous A-list celebrity, it is quite possible that the notability of their political career might be overshadowed by their more recent celebrity status. However, the political career should still be acknowledged in the article. This is because Wikipedia's editorial guidelines allow for the construction of an article from contemporary sources, as long as they meet the need for notability.
The Role of Contemporary Sources
Contemporary sources are vital in constructing a biography on Wikipedia, especially for individuals who have dual claims to notability. It is essential to use a variety of sources to substantiate the claims, even if the individual is no longer covered by their original local newspaper. Sufficient sources that document their political career can still be used to construct a Wikipedia article, which might emphasize their political notability in the lede and detail their later career in subsequent sections.
Examples of Dual Notability on Wikipedia
There are several examples of individuals who transitioned from political careers to celebrity status and retained notability on Wikipedia. Examples include:
Ming Campbell - A politician and actor, who has had a dual career with significant coverage in both areas. O.J. Simpson - A former professional football player turned actor, facing numerous legal battles, his political activities discussed in earlier sections of his biography. Richard Coles - A politician, radio presenter, and television personality, prominently showcasing his various roles in his Wikipedia article.Chronological Order in Article Structure
The structure of the article is crucial in presenting a balanced view of the politician-celebrity. The lede (lead paragraph) should give prominence to the main claim to notability, which in this scenario would likely be their transformation into a world-famous A-list celebrity. However, the political aspects of their career should not be ignored and should be presented chronologically, ensuring that readers understand the origins and progression of the politician's impact and not just the later celebrity status.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cessation of coverage by a local newspaper does not fundamentally affect the notability of a politician who transitions to a more recognized celebrity status. Wikipedia's guidelines for notability and the use of contemporary sources can still support the creation of an article that accurately reflects the individual's diverse career. The key is maintaining a balanced and comprehensive approach, ensuring that both the political and celebrity aspects of the person's life are given due credit.