Politics and the Media (POLS 328) Professor Jonathan Day

Outline 1. Attendance Sheet 2. Last Class 3. Media Ownership Questions

Government vs. Private Ownership Can government effectively fulfill these functions? 1. Surveillance 2. Interpretation 3. Socialization 4. Manipulation (Reform) 5. Others: Entertainment

Government vs. Private Ownership Conflicting Views on the Role of Media Media serves the Government (legitimating) Media serves the people (monitoring) Best Scenario – promotes order and serves public interest Worst Scenario – propaganda for corrupt government Best Scenario – keeps government in check and people happy Worst Scenario – serves the interest of big business and hurts consumers

Big Media

Discussion Questions What is the problem with Government owned media? What is the problem with Business owned media?

Media Paradox The right argue that media is biased to the left of the people and is wrong for the people. The left argues that the media is biased towards big business and is wrong for the people. So why is media still owned by big business?

Discussion Question What is the right balance for media ownership?

Government Ownership in the U.S. Local governments own cable television systems or channels American Forces Radio and Television Service for the Department of Defense “Voice of America Broadcast (VOA) broadcast 1500 hours weekly to a foreign audience of 134 million through radio, television, and the internet. VOA has more than 1200 affiliate states and communications in forty-five languages” (p. 29 – Graber 2008) Semipublic- Corporation for Public Broadcasting (National Public Radio, Public Broadcasting System)

Next Class Freedoms and Limitations on the Media in the United States