1. The Mass Media and the Political Agenda

2. I. Introduction mass media: television, radio, newspapers, magazines, Internet huge impact on American Politics information is available right away high-tech politics (behavior of citizens, policymakers, policy agenda, is shaped by technology)

3. II. The Mass Media Today crucial to any presidential campaign. good candidates must = good image on TV and news + effective commercials critical to day-to- day governing.

4. MASS MEDIA PRINT MEDIA (newspapers and magazines) first American newspaper 1783 expanded rapidly in the mid-nineteenth century with “penny press” the turn of the century was characterized by yellow journalism and many newspapers become chains in the 20 th century newspaper circulation rates are down since TV became popular magazines are popular but have very little political content BROADCAST MEDIA (television and radio) - broadcast media replaces the print media - 1950s and early 1960s -first televised presidential debate (1960) between Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy. -Covered the Vietnam war - Cable TV = huge impact  it brings the news to the people and political leaders as it happens - More people rely on TV for the news because they believe in it more than any other type of media

5. III. The Development of the Mass Media The mass media age is a relatively recent phenomenon. Franklin Roosevelt invented media politics:  two press conferences (presidential meetings with reporters) a week.  used the radio Vietnam War and Watergate scandal made investigative journalism popular (the use of detective-like reporting methods to unearth scandals, pits reporters against political leaders).

6. Narrowcasting (Cable TV and the Internet) -Program content designed to reach a specific group defined by demographics

7. IV. Reporting the News News is not routine Made to be entertaining and fresh

8. Presenting the News -Technology has made information arrive faster but is less detailed -In place of speeches, Americans hear sound bites of fifteen seconds or less Bias in the News -News is considered to be bias -However it is not  both sides are reported equally -Talking heads are not good, need visual stimulation Finding the news -best reporters are assigned to specific beats -journalist rely on sources to get their information -Trial Balloons (information leaked to the media to see what the political reaction will be)

9. V. The News and Public Opinion -Media has great affect on public opinion -Helps set policy agenda -Television is influential to viewers opinions

10. VI. The Media’s Agenda-Setting Function Policy entrepreneurs are people who want to push their political ideas on other people.  they use the media Every political event that is broadcasted is carefully thought out. A poor or good performance may automatically sway someone’s opinion Many decide to use a public relations consultant

11. VII. Understanding the Mass Media A. The Media and the Scope of Government -Media restricts politicians -The Media nit picks

12. B. Individualism and the Media -Furthers individualism in politics -It is easier to concentrate on individuals instead of groups -Political party numbers have declined.

13. C. Democracy and the Mass Media -Does not promote democracy -“Information society” does not mean a “informed society” -Media profits when it reaches the maximum number of people possible -People want to be entertained not bored with complex political issues.