1. Politics and the Media (POLS 328) Professor Jonathan Day

2. Outline 1. Attendance Sheet 2. Last Class: 1. Models of News Making 2. More of the Obama Interview 3. Government vs. Private Ownership of the Media 1. Functions of the Media 2. Conflicting roles of the Media 3. Advantages and Disadvantages

3. Models of News Making Mirror Model Professional Model Organization Political Civic

4. Interview with Barack Obama http://www.foxnews.com/on- air/oreilly/index.html#/v/4528317/factor-exclusive- obama-on-civility-fox-news/?playlist_id=86923 http://www.foxnews.com/on- air/oreilly/index.html#/v/4528317/factor-exclusive- obama-on-civility-fox-news/?playlist_id=86923 What is the problem with news according to Obama? Why do viewers gravitate towards opinion makers on news channels?

5. Government vs. Private Ownership A. Definition of Media Means of communicating information People, Newspapers, Books, Radio, Music, Magazines, Phone, Television, Movies, Internet

6. Government vs. Private Ownership B. Functions of the Media: 1. Surveillance 2. Interpretation 3. Socialization 4. Manipulation

7. Government vs. Private Ownership C. 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

8. Government vs. Private Ownership D. Advantages and Disadvantages 1. Government Ownership: Advantage: Free from profit motive and can bring what’s in the public’s interest Disadvantage: Uncritical support of government policies

9. Government vs. Private Ownership D. Advantages and Disadvantages 1. Private Ownership: Advantage: Diversity of interests and views Disadvantage: Media is a slave to mass appeal because of the profit motive and limited on controversial social and cultural crusades

10. Discussion Questions Should the Government own Media?

11. Next Class Government and Private Ownership of the Media in the U.S.