Ch. 12 – The Media “The media's the most powerful entity on earth. They have the power to make the innocent guilty and to make the guilty innocent, and that's power. Because they control the minds of the masses.” Malcolm X “So the FCC won’t let me be or let me be me so let me see They tried to shut me down on MTV but it feels so empty without me.”The media's the most powerful entity on earth. They have the power to make the innocent guilty and to make the guilty innocent, and that's power. Because they control the minds of the masses. AP Government and Politics Boucher

Brief History of Media in Politics 1890s – Spanish- American War creates “yellow journalism” –“You provide the pictures, I’ll provide the war” – W.R. Hearst 1930s – FDR and his fireside chats –Early example of politician being able to control the media

All About Nixon! 9/23/1952 – Nixon saves political career with Checkers speech –“And I don’t care what they say, we’re going to keep him.” 1960 – Nixon-JFK Debates –First televised debates –Radio listeners think Nixon wins, TV watchers think JFK wins Watergate scandal –Changes perception of politicians and how far journalists can go to cover a story

New Media v. Old Media Newspapers –Declining rapidly –Very few cities with competing newspapers TV / Radio –“Broadcasting” to “Narrowcasting” – How does this impact politics? –Is there bias in the media? Internet Impact?

The Incredible Shrinking Soundbite!

National Media Significance of: –Large audience –Followed closely by political elites –Choice of stories –More resources than local media –“Trial balloons” Roles played: –Gatekeeper: What are the issues? –Scorekeeper: Specifically for politics –Watchdog: personalities and scandals

How Has the Media Changed? Think of these potential news headlines: –Beloved President is confined to wheelchair due to debilitating disease, and he still has time for a mistress! –President somehow able to juggle many women AND the Cuban Missile Crisis at the same time! –Major civil rights leader “has a dream”…with women other than his wife! Why are headlines similar to this more common today?

It’s due to a Feeding Frenzy! –Attack journalism – Intense scrutiny of public officials activities – both public and private –Leads to candidate v. media How Media Helps Feeding Frenzies Grow –Candidate-centered campaigns –24-hours news cycle How Voters Help Them Grow –Public Interest –Negative attitudes toward politics Limitations and Protections of Feeding Frenzy?