Answer :
Final answer:
Incumbents have name recognition and resources such as franking privileges and existing campaign organizations, which may influence their media spending. New candidates may need to spend more on media to gain recognition. However, the actual spending on media campaigns can vary based on funds raised and strategic decisions.
Explanation:
Media spending in elections does not differ between incumbents and new candidates in that incumbents typically already have name recognition and have accumulated funding and support based on their past campaign efforts and their record in office. While new candidates often invest heavily in media to gain recognition, incumbents also make use of their existing resources, such as franking privileges, along with their already established campaign organizations to maintain visibility and engagement with voters. However, the amount of spending on media campaigns can still vary greatly, as incumbents typically raise more money and hence can afford to spend more, but this isn't to say they always choose to outspend their challengers. It is important to note that while new candidates may invest more initially to gain recognition, incumbents also spend substantially to avoid being outshone by their challengers and to reinforce their presence in the voters' minds.