Media Influence in American Politics? Myth or Reality? July 23, 2003

The Media Do the media distort reality? How?Do the media distort reality? How? Does it matter?Does it matter? –To what ends is reality distorted? intentional or unintentional?intentional or unintentional? –Does this distorted reality shape or mirror public opinion? Do people expect the media to be unbiased?Do people expect the media to be unbiased? Do people NOT recognize media biases?Do people NOT recognize media biases?

An Alternative Interpretation... profitability is keyprofitability is key –importance of audience to profitability media is biasedmedia is biased –however, it mirrors (rather than shapes public opinion) media concentrationmedia concentration –not evidence that media can shape public views –evidence that media cannot shape public views

Types of Media Bias distorted view which shapes public opiniondistorted view which shapes public opinion what is there is biasedwhat is there is biased distorted view by leaving issues outdistorted view by leaving issues out bias lies in what is not therebias lies in what is not there

Is the Media Biased? how would one judge?how would one judge? –depends upon perspective –media that mirrors public opinion may seem biased to the observer media concentration and the issue of biasmedia concentration and the issue of bias –overall media bias seems less likely in a 500-channel, Internet universe –overall media bias seems less serious

Media Bias distorted view which shapes public opiniondistorted view which shapes public opinion what is there is biasedwhat is there is biased distorted view by leaving issues outdistorted view by leaving issues out bias lies in what is not therebias lies in what is not there the medium is the message (McLuhan)the medium is the message (McLuhan) creates passivity (not interactive)creates passivity (not interactive) atomizingatomizing consumerism/commodity fetishismconsumerism/commodity fetishism

Regulating the Media Federal Communications Commission (FCC)Federal Communications Commission (FCC) –existing regulations on media ownership ban on cross-ownershipban on cross-ownership restrictions on total number of stations/percentage of marketrestrictions on total number of stations/percentage of market –rule changes (June 2003)

Regulating the Media existing FCC regulations on media ownershipexisting FCC regulations on media ownership ban on cross-ownershipban on cross-ownership restrictions on total number of stations/percentage of marketrestrictions on total number of stations/percentage of market –rule changes (June 2003) revision on cross-ownershiprevision on cross-ownership revised rules on number of stations (in given market)revised rules on number of stations (in given market) increased in overall allowable % of market (from 35% to 45%)increased in overall allowable % of market (from 35% to 45%)

Regulating the Media FCC rule changesFCC rule changes –proponents large newspaper chains and television networks (e.g. Fox)large newspaper chains and television networks (e.g. Fox) the White Housethe White House –opponents various organizationsvarious organizations –NRA, National Organization for Women, Conference of Catholic Bishops, etc. –owners of local television stations resistance in the Houseresistance in the House

Regulating the Media the First Amendmentthe First Amendment –protecting media companies freedom of speech – right to seek the greatest audience –assuring viewers access to the most diverse points of view

Main Point! the issue of media regulation highlights the tension between individual rights and mass participationthe issue of media regulation highlights the tension between individual rights and mass participation –arguments for freedom of the press vs. arguments in favour of a balanced or regulated press