American Media Unit

Newspapers: Daily subscription in decline, as there is number of competing newspapers. Radio and Television: becoming more competitive and more popular. U.S. press is localized and locally owned as well, which are oriented towards local market.

Consists of different avenues: Wire Services- AP National Magazines: Time, NewsWeek Network News Shows (ABC, CBS, NBC) Cable Networks: CNN, Fox News, MSNBC Newspapers: USAToday, New York Times, Wall Street Journal.

Influence what subjects and information becomes national political news. Tracks Political reputation and candidacies. Investigates political personalities and also looks to uncover scandals.

Generally more liberal than the average person. Conservative outlets have become more apparent in recent years: Fox News Talk Radio is primarily conservative- Rush Limbaugh, appeal is to the suburbs and rural areas. Liberal outlets tend to be along racial and ethnic lines: MSNBC

Journalism values the idea of remaining objective and neutral. Does not apply to editorials or talk radio.

Routine Stories: cover major political events; Congress passes a bill, little room for bias - all reporters write the same way. Feature Stories: Public Events that receive little press; agency adopts a new ruling, often reflects journalists views.often reflects journalists views Insider Stories: Secretive, govt insider leaks story, can reflect writers views.

Since branches of government and competitive parties the press is viewed as a weapon to be used to sway the people. Most leaks can be printed legally due to most secrets not being of national security.

On the Record: Reporter can quote official by name. Off the Record: What the official says cannot be used. On background: info. can be used, but not quoted or attributed to source by name. On deep background: info. can be used, not quoted, and not attributed to anybody or anonymous source.

Many people feel that: The news coverage is slanted to meet the networks bias. They have too much influence. They hide behind the Constitution and abuse the protections offered.

Using sensationalism to help draw an audience in competitive media market becomes an issue.sensationalism Reporters may not check sources as carefully as they should, competition for stories and being the first to break story pressure.

Does the popular press stoop to the lowest common denominator of interest and taste? Does media bias affect what we know?