1. The Mass Media and Politics
American Government

2. Overview of the Mass Media
Television – principal source of political information for about 80% of the population
Newspapers – 2nd most important source
Radio – Since beginning in 1920, has played a role in informing Americans, but is decreasing
Magazines – there are news specific as well as journals of opinion

3. Media’s Impact on Politics
The Public Agenda – the issues on which the media focus determine what the public think about, if not what it thinks
Electoral Politics – television has influenced political campaigns by making candidates more concerned about public “image” and less dependent on party organizations than ever before

4. Limits on Media Influence
Most Americans do not follow public affairs closely.
Those who do follow politics tend to select their sources of information to reflect and bolster opinions they already hold.
Lack of public interest in politics limits the amount of news that commercially-oriented mass media are able to present.

5. Media BIAS
Republican Bias
Democrat Bias