1. How Media Impact Government
Chapter 19 Section 1
How Media Impact Government

2. I. The President and the Media
A. President and Media mutually benefit each other. B. 80% of U.S. TV coverage of politics is about president. C. FDR first to use broadcast media with radio “fireside chats.”

3. I. President and the Media (Cont’d)
D. News release: ready-made story government officials prepare for the press.
E. News briefing: government official announces and/or explains a policy.

4. I. President and the Media (Cont’d)
F. Press Conference: Media ask questions of high-ranking government officials.
G. “on background”: reporters use information but do not reveal their source.
I. Leak: release of secret information to media by anonymous officials.

5. II. Media and Presidential Campaigns
A. Candidates must be “telegenic” or look good on TV.
B. TV makes it easier for “unknowns” to gain exposure quickly.
C. TV has encouraged celebrities to enter politics.

6. II. Media and Presidential Campaigns (Cont’d)
D. Media focus on “horse-race” aspect of campaigns and declare early leaders as “front-runners.”
E. Candidates use TV spot-advertising: quick, frequent advertisements (30 secs. To 2 minutes).

7. II. Media and Presidential Campaigns (Cont’d)
F. TV not cheap, thus candidates spend time to fundraise for media advertising.
G. TV has also weakened the link between political parties and candidates and voters. (voters get info from TV and not parties)

8. III. Congress and the Media
A. Nearly every member of Congress has a press secretary.
B. Congress holds confirmation hearings, which can attract media attention.
C. Congress holds oversight hearings, which can attract media attention.

9. IV. The Court and the Media
A. Supreme Court tends to get less media coverage than other two branches.
B. Judges tend to be remote: federal judges have life tenure and do not need publicity.
C. Judges must remain objective and unbiased.