Read “The Role of Media” handout

What is “The Media?” Sources of news and information about current events

Gatekeeper The media decides which stories and issues are important enough to receive public attention – and which aren’t.

Business Most media (except PBS/NPR) are for- profit sources.

Biased The media may open the gate to some stories instead of others, or report stories in a way that is weighted toward one side. The media is almost always BIASED!

Agenda-Setter The media helps determine what issues society will discuss in the public sphere. Some people don’t think that media companies should be setting the public agenda.

Watchdog The media keeps watch on government and others in power and they let us know when something is wrong!!

What newspaper does this headline match? “County food banks running dangerously low” Daily Sentinel (be supportive of the military) Local Dispatch (Call people to action in the local community) Global Gazette (Make people feel like part of a global community) Star Bulletin (Make money by getting reader’s attention)

What newspaper does this headline match? “Successful airstrikes destroys terrorist hideout” Daily Sentinel (be supportive of the military) Local Dispatch (Call people to action in the local community) Global Gazette (Make people feel like part of a global community) Star Bulletin (Make money by getting reader’s attention)

What newspaper does this headline match? “Health clinic will close due to budget cuts” Daily Sentinel (be supportive of the military) Local Dispatch (Call people to action in the local community) Global Gazette (Make people feel like part of a global community) Star Bulletin (Make money by getting reader’s attention)

What newspaper does this headline match? “Waitress attacked over wrong order, cops say” Daily Sentinel (be supportive of the military) Local Dispatch (Call people to action in the local community) Global Gazette (Make people feel like part of a global community) Star Bulletin (Make money by getting reader’s attention)

What newspaper does this headline match? “Jet stream carries China’s pollution to U.S.” Daily Sentinel (be supportive of the military) Local Dispatch (Call people to action in the local community) Global Gazette (Make people feel like part of a global community) Star Bulletin (Make money by getting reader’s attention)

What newspaper does this headline match? “Navy tests new submarine missile” Daily Sentinel (be supportive of the military) Local Dispatch (Call people to action in the local community) Global Gazette (Make people feel like part of a global community) Star Bulletin (Make money by getting reader’s attention)

On your own… Complete “The Role of Media” independently (front and back) and add it to your folder Answer the Essential Question “How does the media influence the political process”