1. How Media Impacts Government Chapter 19, Section 1

3. The Mass Media The mass media include all the means for communicating information to the general public. Traditionally there were 2 types: –Print Media Daily Newspapers, magazines –Broadcast Media: Radio, television Internet –Has recently become a good source for sharing words, sounds, & images.

4. President and the Media The president and the mass media have a mutually beneficial relationship. Because the president is so powerful he is a great source of news. 80% of all U.S. television coverage of government officials focuses on the president. Therefore the mass media gives the president the best option for sharing his ideas and plans.

5. President and the Media Franklin D. Roosevelt was the first president to master the broadcast media. FDR was not widely supported by newspapers. Therefore he held his own fireside chats to connect directly with the people.

6. President and the Media The era of presidents and television started with the 1960 presidential election between Nixon and Kennedy. This was the first time that any candidate paid attention to their on camera image. In order to better manage the media, the White House staff controls the flow of news. To do this they use: –News releases, press conferences, leaks, and media events

7. Types of New Releases News release: is a ready-made story prepared by officials for members of the press. It can be printed or broadcast. News briefing: a government official makes an announcement or explains a policy, decision, or action. Press conference: involves the new media’s questioning of a high-level government official. Presidents have held news conferences since the days of Teddy Roosevelt.

8. Types of New Releases Backgrounder: when a government official will give pieces of information. Reporters can use the information in a story, but they cannot reveal the source. Leak: Officials will anonymously release secret information. They do this so seek public support for an unpopular policy or to expose government corruption.

9. Types of New Releases Media event: a visually interesting event designed to reinforce a politician’s position on some issue. Ex: –To gain support for the War in Iraq, President Bush often gave speeches on aircraft carriers.

10. Media and Campaigns The first televised political advertisements appeared in the 1952 presidential campaign between Eisenhower and Stevenson.

11. Media and Campaigns Presidential candidates now have to have a good image. They must have a strong appearance and a strong speaking voice to be successful on TV ads. TV has made it much easier for unknown candidates to quickly gain attention. –Ex. Barack Obama and Bill Clinton TV has also encouraged more celebrities to get involved with politics.

12. Media and Campaigns Presidential Nominating Process –Mass media uses horse-race coverage It focuses more on the “winners” and the “losers” and “who’s ahead” rather than focusing on the issues.

13. Media and Campaigns Campaign financing –A single 30 second TV ad in a medium sized market can cost several thousand dollars –Even thought it is very expensive TV ads are a valuable tool that candidates must use in order to be successful in campaigns today.

16. Politics in Music "Obamaway"--by Ti$a “Black President”—by Nas “My President”—by Young Jeezy & Nas

17. Politics on TV SNL-Hillary Clinton & Sarah Palin SNL-Sarah Palin Rap SNL-President Bush Endorsement The Daily Show--Barak's Millions

18. Politics on the Internet JibJab--This Land JibJab-Time for Some Campaignin'