Theoretical perspectives and the influence of news values

News selection The mass media plays a crucial role in what Habermas calls the public sphere The mass media plays a crucial role in what Habermas calls the public sphere Most of the news and information we receive about the world comes via the mass media Most of the news and information we receive about the world comes via the mass media This raises 2 critical questions This raises 2 critical questions Who decides what news/information we receive? Who decides what news/information we receive? Do we receive a balanced or a biased view of events? Do we receive a balanced or a biased view of events?

Selectivity? Journalists and editors would probably argue that they provide a window on the world Journalists and editors would probably argue that they provide a window on the world What does this mean? What does this mean? Few would deny that there is bias in news coverage Few would deny that there is bias in news coverage However it could be pointed out that there are a wide variety of sources from which authenticity can be checked However it could be pointed out that there are a wide variety of sources from which authenticity can be checked Can you link this to a Sociological approach? Can you link this to a Sociological approach? Explain your answer Explain your answer

Pluralism and selectivity Pluralists would argue that the media gives people what they want Pluralists would argue that the media gives people what they want This applies to news and current affairs just as any other form of media This applies to news and current affairs just as any other form of media Pluralists emphasise the wide variety of options available to consumers Pluralists emphasise the wide variety of options available to consumers The development of 24 hour news channels and the internet has hugely increased this choice The development of 24 hour news channels and the internet has hugely increased this choice The market argument is crucial- the media must reflect the values and interests of its consumers The market argument is crucial- the media must reflect the values and interests of its consumers

Regulation of the news Pluralists would also point out that safeguards are in place to ensure that a balanced and honest picture is presented in the news Pluralists would also point out that safeguards are in place to ensure that a balanced and honest picture is presented in the news The law of libel allows people to seek compensation if they have been defamed. The law of libel allows people to seek compensation if they have been defamed. The Press Complaints Commission and Advertising Standard Authority also ensure that standards are maintained The Press Complaints Commission and Advertising Standard Authority also ensure that standards are maintained The broadcasting media (TV and radio) have to be fair and balanced by law The broadcasting media (TV and radio) have to be fair and balanced by law Which approach would not accept this argument? Which approach would not accept this argument? Can you think of any news reporting we have previously studied that was not fair or balanced? Can you think of any news reporting we have previously studied that was not fair or balanced?

Marxism - agenda setting and gate keeping Marxism - agenda setting and gate keeping According to Marxists, the media is part of the IDEOLOGICAL STATE APPARATUS According to Marxists, the media is part of the IDEOLOGICAL STATE APPARATUS Newspapers and news programmes reflect the interests of capitalism and the ruling class Newspapers and news programmes reflect the interests of capitalism and the ruling class Negative portrayals of the working class are used to deflect attention away from the inadequacies or crimes of the ruling class Negative portrayals of the working class are used to deflect attention away from the inadequacies or crimes of the ruling class The role played by agenda setters and gate keepers are important here The role played by agenda setters and gate keepers are important here Why? Why?

The news media decide what is important and how issues are treated The news media decide what is important and how issues are treated Gate keepers (eg editors) ensure that news fits in with the style of their newspaper or programme Gate keepers (eg editors) ensure that news fits in with the style of their newspaper or programme They will make sure that news reportage corresponds to the policies laid down by owners and managers They will make sure that news reportage corresponds to the policies laid down by owners and managers What do these pictures suggest? What do these pictures suggest?

Activity Look back on the work of Philo and the GUMG analysing coverage of the miners strike Look back on the work of Philo and the GUMG analysing coverage of the miners strike Do they identify biased reporting? Do they identify biased reporting? Read and take notes on the chapter titled The Audience on page 156 Read and take notes on the chapter titled The Audience on page 156 Is this reflecting a Marxist or Pluralist point of view? Is this reflecting a Marxist or Pluralist point of view? Can you relate this to the Postmodernist Lyotard and the search for truth? Can you relate this to the Postmodernist Lyotard and the search for truth?