The Mass Media Mass media – all the means for communicating any information to the general public. Role of Media clarify stories, alert the public to issues, and uncover problems (Government watchdog). Types of Media Hard news – written by reporters – share facts Commentary – analysis of news + opinions Features – take a deeper look into a topic. Digital Age Decline in “journalists” – trained professionals Internet allows for amateur journalists The media can make information public without making it official “Fake News” Journalists see their job as informing the public, not passing along politicians’ messages.

Government and Media Electors vs. Journalists Officials use the media to pass along information to the voters Journalists want to inform the public Executive branch leaders Use the media to gain support News releases, news briefings Stories prepared by officials for the press (Press Release) Gov’t official makes an announcement – allows for questioning (President Press Secretary) Press Conference Media and a high level government official – questions are often limited Officials try to influence the flow of information to the press through leaks or media events. Release of secret information Visually interesting event designed to reinforce a politician’s position on an issue Television has greatly influenced presidential campaigns from start to finish Makes candidates easily accessible to the public; gain exposure for unknown candidates

TV and Presidential Elections TV – allows for the public to see their representatives “Telegenic – project a pleasing appearance and performance “look the part” Nomination process Horse Race Coverage – treats elections like a sporting event Front-runner – early leader Communication Campaigns Andrew Jackson – “torchlight era” – stump speeches + parades + entertainment 1900’s – candidates used newspapers, radio, then in 1952 – TV

The Legislative Branch and the Media Reporters “cover” the government – Specialize – National, State or Local Covering Congress Focus on congressional leaders (Speaker of the House, Minority Leader) Little attention to individual bills The media report on controversial hearings as well as significant debates and bills. C-SPAN (Cable-Satellite Public Affairs Network) Television has impacted who runs for legislative office. Recognition Celebrities, Athletes, Actors, Actresses, Astronauts Candidates for Congress employ television advertising as a major campaign strategy. Spot Advertising – brief positive message of the candidate

The Judiciary and the Media Much of the media’s coverage of the judiciary is related to criminal trials. Public Trial – Media coverage Media coverage of cases could lead to bias Sequestered – jury to be isolated from public and media Case can be moved to a different location – local bias + influence The Supreme Court and other appellate courts receive less media coverage. Justices rarely give interviews or discuss cases Usually rule on laws – not ruling on criminal cases Covering the courts differs greatly from covering the legislative and executive branches. Media will report on national issues (Roe v Wade, North Carolina Bathroom Bill, Ohio “Heart Beat Bill.”)

Media and the Public Agenda The mass media play an important role in setting the public agenda. Social + Political + Environmental Issues Wars, Terrorism, Health Care, College Education, Drug Epidemic) The media help determine which political issues the American people and their leaders will be discussing. Increased exposure = increased governmental action Media choices on what to cover are impacted by personal views and business considerations. Audience + Ratings The extent of media coverage influences how important people believe an issue is to the nation.

Chapter 20.2 Regulating Print & Broadcast Media

Media Regulations Timeline

Media Protections Freedom of the press is fundamental to democracy. Inform the public Government is transparent and responsible The First Amendment protects the print media from prior restraint but not from libel. Prior Restraint – Gov’t censorship before publication Libel – False written statements intended to damage a person’s reputation Defamation – false expression that injures a person’s reputation Freedom of Information Act - FOIA, passed in 1966, provides public access to most information. Requires federal agencies to release files to the public Not if National Security is at stake The courts have not granted the press special rights of access beyond public access. Most states have shield laws to protect reporters from having to reveal their sources.

Freedom of Information Act Requires federal agencies to release files to the public, unless the material falls into certain exceptions for national security or other confidential information. Extremely important because a free and independent press can provide citizens with a variety of information and opinions about government polices. Protecting Sources – Reporters need secret information + people want to remain anonymous Shield Law – a state law that protects reporters from having to reveal their sources Private Protection Act – 1980 – prevents all level of government from searching + seizing source documentation

Regulating Media Goal: Government Regulations provide order, fairness and access to the mass media Most media is private Government has more power to regulate broadcast media (public airways) Federal Communication Commission (FCC) Gov’t agency with authority to regulate communication Radio, TV, telephone, cable and satellite Grant licenses to companies Serve the public interest The fairness doctrine Rule that required broadcastings to provide opportunities for the expression of opposing views on issues of public importance was used until 1987, when it was deemed unnecessary. Multiple media outlets provide different view points (EX: Fox News + MSNBC) Originally, the FCC set rules over the concentration of media ownership. Set fines, limit obscene programming to certain hours, sets rules for broadcasters The Telecommunications Act of 1996 ended or relaxed many FCC limits on media ownership. Company cannot own 35% of TV shows

Media and National Security Informing the public vs. Protecting the Nation National security issues often create tension between the media and the government. New York Times vs. United States – Pentagon Papers (how America became involved in the Vietnam War) National Security vs. 1st Amendment Rights The government classifies some information as secret and limits press coverage of military actions. Embedded Journalists – journalists who follow troops during war Government restriction on media coverage during wartime has varied. Vietnam – Full media coverage War in Iraq – only 500 allowed Periodic leaks of secret information pit the government against the press. WikiLeaks – information about the Iraq + Afghanistan Wars NSA – National Security Agency – 2013- US Government was spying on citizens Edward Snowden

20.3 Internet and Democracy

Civic Participation and Digital Media Public interaction with Government Telephones + Letters Now: Internet and Social Media 2012 – 40% of Americans participated in political surveys/posts online Internet and Political Participation Does Social Media enhance civic participation? 20% of social media users are motivated to participate in their community 3x as likely to discuss political affairs in person

Internet and Civic Participation The Internet allows citizens to more easily participate in politics and government. Blog – personal “web log” or online journal The Internet provides easy access to information about government and politics. Electronic petition – asks recipient to “sign” name electronically to a request to be sent to an official All levels of government now provide services and information over the Internet. Electronic mailing list – an automated e –mail notification that provides subscribers with current information on a topic The Internet has become a powerful tool for citizen activism. Blogs, gather information, access federal and state government websites, communicate directly with government officials Presidential campaigns have begun to tap online opportunities for advertising and campaigning.

Digital Media and Elections Digital Age and Government Helps to “connect” politicians to the people 2012 – Obama and the internet Encouraged younger voters Politicians must adapt to technology to reach electors “Day to day life is happening on the internet, and the political world is just catching up.” Help America Vote Act – states required to update their voting procedures. Electronic Voting Online Voting?

Mass Media and New Media With the Internet, mass media has become interactive rather than unidirectional. Challenges – rise of news on internet, types of stories people have access to, traditional media is longer delivered Online publishing produces greater diversity in sources, voices, and viewpoints. Greater diversity of sources – multiple points of view = more of an educated public Internet provides instant news + more depth Change comes to “Reporting” Anyone can become a reporter Provide individual input on politics and events Blogs + Videos Must be evaluated for accuracy

How to Choose your News

Public Policy and the Internet New laws must deal with the impact of the Internet on politics, business, and individuals. Children’s Internet Protection Act of 2000, FCC Open Internet Order, legislation to prevent employers from requesting passwords to employee’s internet accounts The FCC’s Open Internet Order supports “net neutrality.” The ease of access to offensive content on the Internet leads to challenges in protecting children. The growth of e-commerce has led to controversy over collection of state sales tax. The sales of goods and services online Some private digital information is available to law enforcement and private employers.