The Media Chapter 10

General Motors Activity Entertainment –Write a TV show segment about GM cars Reporting the news –Write a TV news segment about the closing of a GM factory Identifying Public Problems –Write a TV news interview with an expert on fuel mileage and GM lack of fuel efficient cars Socializing New Generations –Write a TV show segment showing how owning a car is a very American thing to do Providing a Political Forum –Write a TV news segment showing GM auto workers demanding more benefits Making Profits –Write a commercial for GM cars

Functions of Media Entertainment –TMZ, SNL, Shows, etc. Reporting the News (primary function) –Local News, All-day News (Fox, CNN) Identifying Public Problems (investigative) –Corruption, use of tax dollars Socializing New Generations (can this be politically motivated?…is it biased?) –What issues are important? Providing a Political Forum –Debates, Interviews Making Profits - commercials (how do you increase corporate support…ratings)

History of the Media in U.S. The Rise of Political Press (printed material, cartoons) Mass-Readership Newspapers –High-speed rotary press = produce more papers to sell –Telegraph = obtain information for stories faster –As cities grow larger = more people to sell to –Economy grows = more stories and interests

History of the Media in U.S. Popular Press and Yellow Journalism –What is Yellow Journalism? Examples? –What is a muckraker? Examples? –Can you believe everything you read? Electromagnetic Signal = development of radio and television –Radio becomes very popular in the 1920s –TV becomes very popular in the 1950s

History of the Media in U.S. The Revolution of Electronic Media (Cable TV) –Broadcasting - data is transmitted everywhere –Narrowcasting - data is transmitted to a specific list of recipients Examples? –Viewers tend to “tune in” to issues that already support their beliefs Talk Show Politics; Internet Broadcasting –Increases political extremism

History of the Media in U.S. Internet, blogging, and podcasting –What’s credible? –Pros and cons? –Impact on Politics?

The Importance of Television In 1963, only 11 minutes were devoted to national news (today, it’s up to 3 hours) –Does that mean that more people know what’s going on?

Influence of TV on the Political Process Often criticized for being too superficial (does not focus enough on the issues) –Ex. Sarah Palin’s teenage daughter was pregnant during the 2008 campaign –Other examples? Candidate-centered (news focuses on the candidate…appearance, image, etc.) Issue-centered (news focuses on the issues) Media-centered (what’s going to bring in ratings)

Influence of TV on the Political Process Political figures plan public appearances –Designed to appear “spontaneous” –“Leaks” to the media 3 types of TV coverage employed by a campaign –Advertising (positive and/or negative) –Management of News Coverage (free) Developing a good working relationship with reporters Convincing media to put the right “spin” on a story –Political Debates (incumbents do NOT like…why?) –Most campaigns are now adding an Internet Campaign Strategist

Creating a Visual Response to an FRQ

What impact does the Media have on voters? Most viewers pay selective attention –Focus on coverage that confirms their own beliefs Media focuses on “horse-race” aspect –Who’s leading in the polls? –Limits coverage of the actual issues

What impact does the Media have on voters? Media has 3 major roles –Gatekeeper (what are the issues) –Scorekeeper (keeps track of reputation) –Watchdog (close scrutiny of candidates)

Rules Governing the Media Confidentiality of Sources Regulating Broadcasting –FCC has more control over broadcast media than media

Rules Governing the Media Equal Time Rule Right-of Reply Rule Political Editorializing Rule Fairness Doctrine Should their be regulation?

Prepare for Class Discussion Work in a group of 3 (one group will have 4) Draw two “talking” points. Gather information and discuss responses minutes to prepare