There are four types of mass media that impact voters Television – has sound bites (30-45 second small reports) Newspapers Radio Magazines
What is your preferred source of information? What is your parents preferred source of information?
Media chooses what they report on, determines the issues the public see Focus attention on certain issues Tell people what to think about Has a dramatic impact on what people perceive as news Political leaders monitor news making sure they are up to date
Decline in importance of political parties Candidates can appeal to public directly Voters make their impressions form the image in the media Voters here “sound bites” that catch their attention
Newspapers and magazines offer the most in-depth coverage They offer more non-political information People would rather watch or listen to entertainment than political affairs People are selective in what they watch or listen to
Technique of persuasion aimed at influencing individual or group behaviors Name calling- saying something negative about your opponent Card stacking- only one side of the story Glittering Generalities- message sounds great, makes you want to be a part of something Bandwagon- everyone is on board, you should be too Plain Folks Appeal- this is the normal thing to do; just one of the guys