1. The main functions of a journalist
Mrs. Thompson
Journalism

2. Political
Provide audience with information with which to base political decisions
Press is considered the “watchdog” of government
Cover in detail government activities
Budgets
Scandal
Wrongdoing
Meetings
Elections

3. Economic Provides information about products, goods, and services
Creates advertising

4. Sentry Reports on what is likely to happen in the future
Writes about social and political difficulties and their possible outcomes
Draws audience attention to issues they might not otherwise see
Poverty
Brutality
World issues

5. Record-Keeping
Creates an accurate record of local, national, and world news

6. Entertainment Entertains/amuses the audience Comics Crosswords
Celebrity news
Feature photos
Food/living sections

7. Social a way to pass on information
Creates a social situation where people discuss what is in the news

8. “Marketplace” Marketplace of ideas
Provides the forum for many types of ideas
If the public is concerned about something, it is up to the press to report on it
This can change city/state policies

9. Agenda-Setting Pushes ideas for audience to think about
Media has the power to determine what people talk about and address as a nation