1. To Accompany Comprehensive, Alternate, and Texas Editions American Government: Roots and Reform, 10th edition Karen O’Connor and Larry J. Sabato  Pearson Education, 2009  Chapter 15 The Media

2. Mass Media  Made of all organizations that collect and disseminate information to the public.  News media is part of this.  Technology has had a major impact on how we receive news throughout history.  From newspapers, to telegraph, to radio, to television, and now the Internet.

3. Print Media  Newspapers first appeared as early as 1690.  Freedom of Speech/Press Enshrined in 1 st Amendment  In the early days of the U.S., the press was partisan.  Either Federalist or Anti-Federalist leanings.  In mid-1800s, the penny press evolved.  Relied on mass circulation and advertising for profits.  Scandal and sensationalism sells papers.

4. Print Media  The late 1800s was the era of yellow journalism.  Involved lowering journalistic standards to sell papers.  Hearst and Pulitzer were major owners in this period.  The 1920s gave rise to muckraking.  Sought to expose misconduct in business & government.  Today the press tries to be more objective.

5. Broadcast Media  Radio news evolved in early 1900s.  FDR used this to go around conservative newspapers in his Fireside Chats.  News Radio is mostly found on AM Radio.  Today, talk radio is a source of political commentary.  Conservative commentary is the dominant form.  Rush Limbaugh, Laura Ingraham, Sean Hannity, etc.

6. Broadcast Media  Television becomes major news source in 1960s.  In 1963, only 15 minutes local, 15 minutes national.  It remains a major news source today.It remains a major news source today  Movement away from network news to cable.  24-hour news on cable feeds the need for political news.  C-SPAN was developed to show Congress at work.

7. Broadcast Media  Broadcast news ratings have dropped, but still higher than cable, which is growing.  In 1970s, Saturday Night Live began political satire.  Late night comedians use current events to poke fun.  The Daily Show and The Colbert ReportThe Colbert Report were comedy-based news programs.  These shows tried to inform AND entertain.

8. New Media  Newspapers and television use Web sites.  In 2000, 9% got news from Internet, in 2007, 29% did  People who read Internet news also use other sources.People who read Internet news also use other sources  Also provides access to other countries’ news.  Most users are just looking for more sources of news.  US Government now posts information online.

9. Figure 15.1- Where Americans Get News  Back

10. New Media  There is debate over whether the Internet is good for politics.  Will likely be primary news source for younger generation.  Allows for more information, but reliability is in question.  Visiting only sites with similar viewpoints can polarize.  Social Media allows Celebrities to reach millions of viewers instantaneously.

11. Table 15.1- News Generation Gap  Back Pg 542

12. New Media

13. Current Media Trends  Influence of networks, affiliates, and wire services.  Increasing media consolidation leaves fewer outlets.  Will large corporations limit what news reports?  Greater reliance on experts and pundits, or talking heads  These add to concern about media “bias.”

14. Current Media Trends  Use of cable channels for narrowcasting.narrowcasting  Targets only specific audiences and programs to them.  Development of technological innovations such as blogs.  Some become picked up by more mainstream media.  Some are trying to add to conversation, others are just trying to make noise and get attention.  Growth in number of citizen journalists adds to news.

15. Table 15.2- Sources of Campaign News  Back

16. Rules Governing the Media  Standards and norms of the journalistic profession.  Expected to adhere to Code of Ethics.  Pressure of finding a scoop and 24-hour news cycle have affected the profession.  1996 Telecommunications Act.  Deregulated much of media.  Allowed more concentrated ownership.

17. Rules Governing the Media  Equal time rule says all candidates get access to airtime.  Net Neutrality is a recent issue for major companies.  Prior restraint not permitted.  NY Times vs. US, (1971) settled this.  Battlefield reporting post-Vietnam has changed a great deal with what is permitted to be shown.

18. Interactions with the Media  Officials may issue press releases.  May also hold briefings or conferences.  Speak to reporters on background or deep background.  May also get information off the record.  New York Times v. Sullivan (1964) sets libel boundaries.  Public Officials must prove “Actual Malice” intended by news stories about them

19. Covering Government  President garners most attention through bully pulpit.  Speaks through press secretary or press conferences.press conferences  Coverage of the president is generally unfavorable.  Congress’ 535 members pose a challenge.  Coverage of Congress is also generally negative.  Supreme Court is more private; coverage is limited.

20. Figure 15.2- Presidential Press Conferences  Back

21. Covering Government Cameras are not allowed in the Supreme Court Oral arguments are available on audio recordings

22. Media’s Influence on the Public  Press has little effect on long term beliefs.  Media effects may lead to short term changes in opinion.  Media sways uncommitted and raises new issues.  May also play agenda setting and framing roles.  Allows media to focus on certain issues or define an issue for the public.

23. Media Bias  Questions about effects of media bias.  Politicians love to point this out, but use media too.  Media bias is unavoidable--journalists are human.  Media generally thought to be liberal.  Opponents of this point out conservative ownership.  Political leanings often depend upon the demographics and backgrounds of media members.

24. AV- Partisan Bias  Back

25. Media Bias  Some point to recent growth of conservative news sources like Fox News and talk radio.  Questions raised over reporting prior to and during Iraq War by mainstream media.  What they do look at is good stories over issues.  Can be charmed by interesting personalities, and some enjoy the spotlight on themselves as well.

29. Confidence in the Media  General confidence is on a downturn.  Republicans are more critical than Democrats.  Democrats and Republicans use different sources.  Ideological fragmentation may be cause for concern.  People tend to choose news that supports their opinion.  Can lead to more polarization across the country.