The Media and Politics
Media Outlets Fragmenting Impacts Explosion of media options weakens traditional sources (newspapers/networks) Blogs & Cable news outlets cater to certain views Ideological polarization
Media Conglomerates Form Concentration of media ownership has grown in the past 30 years One Cause: FCC cross-ownership rules were reduced in the Telecommunications Act of 1996
The Checkers Speech In 1952, after he was named as Dwight D. Eisenhower's running mate, Nixon was accused of taking inappropriate gifts from campaign contributors. In a effort to save his candidacy, he staged a national broadcast to defend himself. He countered his critics, first by listing all of his personal assets in great detail, and then by declaring that he would not force his children to give up Checkers, a dog that had been shipped to him by one of his supporters.
Nixon-Kennedy 1960
Impact of Television TV = top news source Direct access to public possible (Checkers) Campaigning more candidate-centered (TV ads, debates = image & personal focus)
How Politicians Use the Media Media Events: photo opportunities staged for press coverage --controlling the visual is critical
Mission: Media Event
Media Events Can Fail Turkey Pardon Fiasco https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HEFmFOlSaQ
Media Events Can Backfire (Pt. 2)
How Politicians Use the Media Message Control Use spin (positive interpretation) to shape coverage Staying “on message” (talking points) Preparing sound bites
1992
Problem: People tuning out regular news The response. . . Appear on entertainment shows (ex: Daily Show) or even on-line skits →
Government Regulation of the Electronic Media TV networks/radio are “public airwaves” regulated by and leased to companies by the FCC Print media and cable programing are not.
Public Opinion & Vietnam: The Living Room War https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uD-RlWdhAIc
Vietnam Gulf War (1991) Iraq War (2003) Virtually no limitations on reporters Public support drops Vietnam Strict limits on press movement, military escorts “pool coverage” Gulf War (1991) Journalists embedded with units Perspective issues? Iraq War (2003)