Review for Media EXAM ON THURSDAY, APR 22ND

I. Mass Communication and the Media— Industries, daily life, shapes our attitudes, beliefs, and values. 1. How does Mass Communication and the Media dominate our lives? 2. What industries does this include? 3. How does the Mass Communication shape our attitudes, beliefs and values?

1. It’s ranked #1 in a 24-hour day for Americans. We spend approx. 40%- 46% of our time using a mass communication device or media piece. #2- sleeping 33% 2. This includes books, papers, TV, internet, radio use etc…

3. Mass Comm. & Media shapes our * Attitudes- the way we respond to individuals or events. EX: Crime report * Beliefs--the way we perceive reality to be. EX: Scandal * Values--judgments about what is good and bad in life. EX: Exercise and Diet

II. Historical Changes: party press to popular press From the 1790’s -1840’s papers were party driven were highly popular, why did this change?

More people demanded daily newspapers that described events/stories not just opinions. Post-Civil War--urban society, investigative reporting, and competition EX: Muckrakers and William Hearst

III.Television: Networks to Cable News 5.. How has television changed over time? How has this changed coverage of major events?

1950’s-1980’s: Network News dominated the households. Early 80’s--cable news, specialized media and opinion makers cut into network ratings. Fox, the history channel, and CNN Big events-covered 24 hours: 2000 Pres. Election, 9/11, and Financial Crisis

IV. Role of the National Media 6. Why is the National Media considered a plus and minus for politicians?

Good news appears less important than the bad news. Politicians want coverage to show their influence and power. Good: Pres. Obama’s discussions/goals with L Amer. nations. Bad: Pres. Obama pics with Chavez

V.The Media and Political Campaigns: Lee Atwater’s role in the 88’ Presidential election and the Obama-Clinton horserace 7. How did Lee Atwater-Campaign Director- use TV commercials to support Candidate Bush against Candidate Dukakis in 1988?

The attacked Dukakis in two areas: 1. Made fun of him riding in tank--claiming massive Defense cuts 2. Willie Horton Ad--showed how a rapist released by a Mass prison attacked once again.

8. How did the media treat the Obama- Clinton campaign as a horserace reporting?

Concentrated on each day: speech, debate, and state primary as the make or break for each candidate.

VII. Media Spin 9.. How is the movie “ Wag the Dog ” an example of Media Spin?

The movie demonstrated how powerful the media can be in motivating the public. The public rallied around the President. EX: In the movie, the media attempted to change the story from a sex scandal that impacted the President to a war that can show his leadership.

10. What are examples of spin in today’s news?

Emphasizing Obama’s handshake with Chavez --and its discussion.

11. How are feature stories and insider stories easy areas for Media spin?

Feature story—a reporter focuses on a person, event, or situation that the public might find important. EX: Appalachia people Insider story—an investigative reporter seeks out info. EX: Leak

VIII. Radio Broadcasting and Television— the FCC 12. Why hasn’t the FCC cracked down on several controversial comments on the radio? Obscenity and indecency guidelines that stations are supposed to follow are so loosely worded. Too vague Ex: Fined Stern and his station several times.

14. To what extent did the Imus controversy show how the limits of first amendment in radio broadcasting can be challenged? The FCC did not have to intervene. Advertisers and the public were outraged. Many felt Imus was forced to apologize. Parents were sickened by his comments.

15. What role does the government have in regulating newspapers or magazines? It has a limited role in regulating newspaper or magazine print. Unless a person openly encourages revolution or violence, there are few legal options.

16.How was the release of the Pentagon Papers a battle between the government and the press? After Daniel Ellsberg released secret defense information to the NY Times, Pres. Nixon threatened to go after the Times. Nixon lost the battle. The information showed the government lied about the war in Vietnam. Next, Nixon went after Ellsberg. Despite Ellsberg’s wrongdoing, newspapers were allowed to print the information.