Chapter 7- The Media Objective – Students will be able to answer questions regarding the media. SECTION © 2001 by Prentice Hall, Inc.
Functions of the Media Entertainment News American Government Entertainment News Agenda setting – ability of the media to draw public attention to certain issues and to ignore other issues Political forum – place to make announcements or advertise government
Structure of Media Print media – newspaper, magazine, etc. American Government Print media – newspaper, magazine, etc. Oldest, being steadily replaced Electronic Media – radio, TV TV now is the primary source of news Internet – instant information, any time Replacing print and electronic media Blogs (short for Web Log) Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
Media Conglomerates WHO OWNS THE NEWS??? WHO OWNS INFORMATION? American Government WHO OWNS THE NEWS??? WHO OWNS INFORMATION?
Media Conglomerates American Government Gannet owns USA Today and controls the biggest circulation in the nation + owns 100 additional papers Rupert Murdoch owns 124 radio stations, New York Post, Weekly Standard, and FOX News
Case Study - Viacom Media Conglomerate – Viacom CBS News MTV VH1 BET American Government Media Conglomerate – Viacom CBS News MTV VH1 BET Blockbuster Paramount Pictures Nickelodeon DreamWorks Showtime
Government Regulation American Government 1st Amendment – freedom of press Gov’t can’t place “prior restraint” on news (can’t censor news before it is released) The press is not entirely free
FCC Federal Communications Commission American Government Federal Communications Commission Controls the media, no one may operate radio or TV stations without their license Who are they? – 5 members (no more than 3 from the same political party) nominated by US President for 5 years.
FCC “Friends” American Government Howard Stern “Man Cow” Eminem
Impact of Media on Politics American Government “sound bites” – second long segments Stories/political messages are shortened, and made to seem less complex than reality
Media and Political Campaigns American Government Advertising – very expensive on TV, way to reach many voters, raising campaign costs News coverage – “free” coverage, politicians will attempt to create events where media will attend for free publicity Spin doctor – one who tries to influence journalists with interpretations of events that are favorable to the candidate Presidential Debates
Media and Gov’t Officials American Government White House Press Corp – journalists whose sole job is to follow the President White House Press Secretary – responsible for addressing the press daily and answer questions for the president.
Section Assessment Compare and contrast the different types of media that exist. Which type do you get most of your information from? 2. Describe the effect the media has on campaigns and politics.
Summary: In a paragraph, describe what you have learned today.