Print Media Newspapers first appeared as early as 1690. In the early days of the U.S., the press was partisan. In mid-1800s, the penny press evolved. The late 1800s was the era of yellow journalism. The early 1900s gave rise to muckraking. T. Roosevelt took advantage of these journalists to advance his Progressive agenda

Broadcast Media Radio news evolved in early 1900s. Today, talk radio is a source of political commentary. Television becomes major news source in 1960s. It remains a major news source today. Movement away from network news to cable, (24 hour news cycle promotes more bias in news). Growth of comedy news programs.

Table 15.1- News Generation Gap  Back

New Media Newspapers and television use Web sites. People who read Internet news also use other sources. Also provides access to other countries’ news. Debate over whether the Internet is good for politics. Will people pay for online newspaper subscriptions?? Media literacy

Current Media Trends Influence of networks, affiliates, and wire services. Increasing media consolidation (see chart). Greater reliance on experts and pundits. Use of cable channels for narrowcasting- (narrowcasting has been attributed to the polarization of American politics) Development of technological innovations such as blogs. Growth in number of citizen journalists.

Rules Governing the Media Standards and norms of the journalistic profession. 1996 Telecommunications Act. Content regulation of the broadcast media. Equal time rule- Must sell advertising to all sides at Prior restraint not permitted-Gov’t cannot censor the press BEFORE IT PUBLISHES MATERIAL

Interactions with the Media Officials may issue press releases. May also hold briefings or conferences. Speak to reporters on background or deep background. May also get information off the record. New York Times v. Sullivan (1964) sets libel boundaries- people must prove that the news outlet had malicious intent and knew information was false

Covering Government President garners most attention through bully pulpit. Speaks through press secretary or press conferences. Coverage of the president is generally unfavorable. Congress’ 535 members pose a challenge-focuses on partis and leadership, gets much less coverage than president. Coverage of Congress is also generally negative. Supreme Court is more private; coverage is limited (no cameras allowed-only tapes released later).

Figure 15.2- Presidential Press Conferences  Back

Media’s Influence on the Public Press has little effect on long term beliefs. Media effects may lead to short term changes in opinion. Media sways uncommitteds and raises new issues. May also play agenda setting (through coverage, dictating what issues the American people are focusing on)and framing roles Ex. When Fox News declares a “war on Christmas” or MSNBC declares a “War on Women”- Both sides are framing the issue as the other side being intolerant and out of touch, while having the impact of stoking anger in the people who already believe that narrative

Media Bias Questions about effects of media bias. Media bias unavoidable--journalists are human. Reporters generally thought to be liberal, (owners of media usually conservative) Recent growth of conservative news sources. Looking at good stories over issues. Can be charmed by interesting personalities.

Confidence in the Media General confidence is on a downturn (esp. since election of Trump and his constant bashing of the media). Republicans are more critical than Democrats. Democrats and Republicans use different sources. Ideological fragmentation may be cause for concern-people are becoming tribal, only listening to news that reinforces their previously held opinions, and living in a a media cocoon (echo chamber). People tend to choose news that supports their opinion.

Table 15.2- Sources of Campaign News  Back