Today’s Agenda –Media in American Politics American Federal GovernmentAmerican Federal Government

You mean sensationalism isn’t new? History of the Press –19 th Century Partisan Press – Newspapers came out with weeklies that essentially echoed the party line on all issues –“Yellow Journalism” Came into popularity around the turn of the century, and was defined by sensationalism in the press. Teddy Roosevelt charging up San Juan Hill or William Randolph Hearst

Media with a purpose “Muckrakers” –Started around progressivism Investigative journalism for a social cause. Very adversarial Investigative Journalism –Began around the time of Watergate Has increased over time due to the role of technology and the competing interests of dozens of cable news networks

We’re just being manipulated by the man 2 forms of media manipulation –Agenda-setting Media determines what becomes an issue by placement on the airwaves –Framing Power used by journalist to frame a story and give cues on how the public should interpret

What is the point of media? Role of the Media in Democracy –Gatekeeper: What subjects enter into national debate and for how long –Scorekeeper: Who is influential and who gets more credit –Watchdog: Desire to “watch” the powerful in society to make sure there is no injustice

Bias, schmias Liberal Bias to the media? –Difference Media forms allow for different biases –Radio: Conservative (Rush and Hannity) –Print: Liberal (New York and L.A. Times) –Television: Slightly liberal (CNN v. Fox) –Internet: All over the place (Slate v. NewsMax) –So where does it leave us at the end of the day?

Journalists have bosses too So is there bias in coverage? Depends on how you look at it? –Journalist v. Corporations Journalists tend to be overwhelmingly liberal in their political views Corporations that own the major news networks tend to have a conservative agenda because it would benefit their company Does it cancel out??

Feature v. Routine It might depend on the story –Routine stories: everyone covers and there are obvious facts to report that are difficult to change –Feature stories: focus on public events that require digging and investigation…more of a focus on selection than coverage

Matthew, please tell how to become as jaded as you…please So how do I combat this bias? Knowledge –Personal knowledge limits media influence in that you consult several sources, and that you understood the subject before it became a story –Lack of knowledge/experience tends to lead to increased media influence because they are not only informing, but educating