Power Point #6 The Mass Media Government Unit 2

Essential Questions: How does the media shape our view of the world and ourselves? What things did you see or hear through the media in this last election cycle that influenced you for or against each candidate? What things are you hearing or seeing during the build up for the 2020 election that are currently influencing your opinion regarding who you will vote for?

What is Mass Media The mass media also helps to create public opinion through communicating with large audiences at one time Print Media Newspapers, magazines, etc. Broadcast Media Television, radio, etc. Internet (combination of both) Articles, videos, message boards, real-time chat, blogs, etc.

How Does Mass Media influence Public Opinion? Because mass media can attract large audiences, people will often look to media for political guidance – Political Ads – Political Commentators – News Networks – Political humor? • Sociologists often call these commentators “opinion leaders”

Conservative “Opinion Leaders”

Liberal “Opinion Leaders”

Role of Media in a Democracy Candidates need the media to campaign and get elected. Elected officials need the media to explain their policies and try to get public support. People depend on the media to give attention and importance to their issues. The media exposes scandal and controversy and acts as the “watch-dog”.

Mass Media Shaping Public Opinion

Mass Media Shaping Public Opinion

Candidates use Mass Media to Help their Campaigns Candidates will often use the mass media to: – Shape “good” public opinion about themselves Shape “bad” public opinion about their opponents Examples: – Campaign Ads – Debates – Interviews Campaign Speeches

The 1950s – The First Ads

1960s – First TV Presidential Debate

1960s-70s: The First “Attack Ads”

1980s -1990s: “Hollywood” Production

2000s – Internet Age: “Nothing is Private…”

The President and the Media Presidential Campaigns Identifying Candidates – the media gives exposure to candidates so that the public can get to know them, identifies the front-runners. Campaign Advertising – candidates use the media to get their message (issues, ideas, etc.) to the people.

The President and the Media News Release – a ready made story prepared by officials for members of the press. News Briefing – a government official makes an announcement or explains a policy to the press, press can ask questions.

The President and the Media Press Conference – planned, controlled events where the press questions a high-ranking official (typically, the President or a member of the Cabinet) in the past questions are known in advance or “friendly” members of the press are called on – not so now.

Media and the Congress Congress – Media typically covers the controversial aspects like confirmation hearings, debates on major issues, or scandals/personal business of members. C-SPAN – offers coverage of floor proceedings in the House and the Senate.

Media and the Supreme Court Supreme Court – gets much less media coverage than the other branches (no cameras or microphones are allowed inside the chambers) and newspapers only cover a few of the major decisions each year. Media must wait outside

Media and Public Agenda Setting the Public Agenda – the media plays an important role by creating the list of problems that the public and political leaders feel need attention The media also creates their agenda. This is evidenced by what they choose to cover and what topics they focus on.

Regulating the Media

Regulating the Media: Free Press Free Press – protected by the 1st Amendment. No prior restraint (government censorship)

Regulating the Media: Libel Libel – false statements intended to damage a person’s reputation. NOT protected! Can be sued!

Regulating the Media: Right of Access The Right of Access – members of the media must have access to information in order to fulfill their role. Should the media have special privileges to info? The courts generally say no, but typically reporters do have more access than the general public.

Regulating the Media: Protection of Sources Protection of Sources – most states have shield laws to protect reporters from having to reveal their sources. Helps get info from sources that want to remain secret, without shield laws many sources would not come forward.

Regulating the Media: FCC FCC – created in 1934, government agency with authority to regulate communications (radio, television, telephone, telegraph, cable and satellite). Makes rules for appropriate content, issues licenses.

Example:. FCC charges CBS over Super Bowl half time Example: FCC charges CBS over Super Bowl half time show wardrobe malfunction Read only (no notes): The Philadelphia three-judge panel had previously ruled in 2008 that the FCC improperly assessed a $550,000 fine against the network for the exposure of Janet Jackson’s breast during the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show - the wardrobe malfunction that lasted barely more than a half a second. But, last year, the U.S. Supreme Court disagreed. Citing a Fox Television-led challenge arguing that the FCC could threaten fines over the use of a single curse word on live TV, the High Court ordered the appeals court to review the ruling again.

Regulating the Media: National Security National Security – always a debate between the need for information for the public and the need to keep secrets for national security (especially when it comes to foreign affairs). At times the government tries to limit press access by classifying documents as secret or deny access to military actions.

The Internet and Democracy Important features – unique benefits. Widespread – rapidly developing, 2005 75% of Americans had access at home. Interactive – people can connect with others. World-wide – access is global which provides huge diversity. Gathering Information – the internet is increasingly used to get political information candidates, issues, legislation, polls, etc.

The Internet and Democracy Impact on Participation – the internet provides opportunities to participate and become more active. Communication with elected officials, petitions, e-voting, etc. Challenges – anyone has access to post anything on the internet and view anything on the internet. False, obscene, and other offensive material is readily available (and sometimes hard to avoid or detect).

Essential Questions: How does the media shape our view of the world and ourselves? What things did you see or hear through the media in this last election cycle that influenced you for or against each candidate? What things are you hearing or seeing during the build up for the 2020 election that are currently influencing your opinion regarding who you will vote for?