Mass Media and Interest Groups Goal C&G.3.6 – Explain how laws have been influenced by interest groups, lobbyists, the media, and public opinion

Mass media: means by which information is distributed to large audiences 1. influences politics and government 2. serves as a link between the people and elected officials ** The media are businesses that operate for a profit – they run the news they think will attract the largest audience

I. Types of Media a. print media – newspapers, magazines, newsletters, books * provides deeper coverage of news b. electronic media – radio, television, internet, blogs, social media * television is most important – reaches the most people * internet – has changed how people access news and information

II. Media’s Impact on Politics and Government a. public agenda – the problems that receive the most time, money, and effort from government leaders * media draws attention to what they consider important b. modern media enables people with little political experience to run for office c. press secretary – aide for elected officials to help manage the media d. officials leak (or pass on) information to friendly reporters to test public reaction * allows officials to decide whether to move ahead with a proposal or just drop it e. media plays a “watchdog” role – exposing misconduct in office; calling attention to any questionable activities or concerns; f. media have begun looking for scandal in officials’ private lives as well as public lives * may drive good people out of politics

Interest Groups: form to promote a shared viewpoint on an issue or concern * 1st Amendment freedom to assemble protects the right to join an interest group I. Purpose a. bring issues and concerns to the attention of the public, lawmakers, and policy makers b. represent the concerns and interests of specific groups c. support political candidates who favor their interests

II. Types of Interest Groups a. support a particular economic interest 1. labor unions (AFL – CIO, Teamsters) 2. business organizations (National Chamber of Commerce, Tobacco Institute, National Association of Manufacturers) 3. professional associations (American Medical Association, American Bar Association) b. support a particular ethnic, age, or gender group (NAACP, AARP, NOW) c. support specific causes (Sierra Club, NRA) d. public interest groups (Common Cause, American Civil Liberties Union  ACLU)

III. Influencing Government a. public policy – the course of action the government takes in response to an issue or problem * primary goal of interest groups is to influence public policy b. supporting candidates who agree with their beliefs * PACs (political action committees) – created by interest groups to raise money to support candidates c. lobbyists – hired by interest groups to influence government officials / lawmakers * provide information to lawmakers about an issue; suggest solutions to problems

IV. Techniques of Interest Groups * all interest groups want to influence public opinion for 2 reasons: 1. to increase their memberships 2. to convince people of the rightness of their cause a. use direct mail b. use the media (radio, TV, internet, newspapers) c. propaganda techniques – to persuade / influence people to support their cause 1. endorsements 2. card-stacking 3. bandwagon 4. symbols / transfer 5. “just plain folks” 6. name-calling 7. glittering generalities

V. Regulation of Interest Groups * laws regulate the activities of interest groups / lobbyists to prevent abuses (offering fancy meals / gifts / free trips) ** not always effective / hard to enforce * Federal Election Campaign Act – limits the amount that PACs can contribute to candidates for national office * Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act – requires lobbyists to register and to disclose who hired them, how much they are paid, and how they spend money related to their work