1. Mass Media
Mass Media- the means of communication that reach large numbers of people in a short time, such as television, newspapers, magazines, radio and internet.

2. Mass Media Mass Media is one of the Linkage institutions
Linkage Institutions: the channels or access points through which issues and people’s policy preferences get in the government’s policy agenda.

3. Mass Media Essential question
Do candidates use media to influence the public or does the media use candidates to get the public’s attention?

4. Introduction Some important definitions:
Linkage Institution
The media links citizens with government, along with political parties, interest groups, and elections.
Mass Media:
Television, radio, newspapers, magazines, the Internet and other means of popular communication.
High-tech politics:
A politics in which the behavior of citizens and policymakers and the political agenda itself are increasingly shaped by technology and mass media.
Media Event- Events purposely staged for the media that look spontaneous.

5. The Development of Media Politics
Investigative journalism
-Use of in-depth reporting to unearth scandals, scams and schemes
Watergate is an example
-Contributes to a negative view of government and politics
The media serves as a watchdog, which may restrain government

6. Print Media-(newspapers and magazines
Pecking Order
New York Times, Washington Post, LA Times, Chicago Tribune
Smaller papers reprint the big stories
TV and the internet are causing newspaper sales to decline

7. The Development of Media Politics
Franklin D. Roosevelt ( )- invented modern media politics/Fireside Chats
Gave press conferences twice a week
First to use the radio extensively
Press respected FDR
Until the 1960s the press respected the government
Didn’t report private lives
Impact of Vietnam War and Watergate Scandal
Clinton-Lewinsky Scandal
Investigative Journalism

8. The Development of Media Politics
The Broadcast Media
Television (not cable or satellite) and radio
Brought government and politics into people’s homes
Made the politicians more aware of their appearance
Generally the top source of news for most Americans, and most believable

9. Media Events
Media Events- an event that is staged for or exploited by the mass media, whose attention lends it an apparent importance

10. Narrowcasting: Cable TV & Internet
Narrowcasting- media programming on cable TV or Internet focused on one topic and aimed at a particular audience
MTV, ESPN, the Food Network

11. Role of Press Conferences
When can a press conference be useful?
If the stories to be told at the press conference are of major social interest, and perceived as such by media representatives.
If there is something important to announce, preferably linked to a significant event
If a prominent individual (politician, celebrity) is present at a campaign event.
If there is an issue related to or associated with the campaign that receives media attention.

12. Reporting the News Presenting the News
Sound Bites: Short video clips of approximately 15 seconds or less.

13. Reporting the News Bias in the News
Some outlets are ideologically biased to the right or left
Structural bias occurs when stories are chosen to attract the largest audience.
“If it bleeds, it leads.”

14. Understanding the Mass Media
The Media and the Scope of Government
The media as watchdog restricts politicians.
New proposals are met with skepticism- so that restricts what the government can do.
But, if the media identify a problem, they ask what the government is going to do to fix it.

15. Understanding the Mass Media
Democracy and the Media
“Information is the fuel of democracy.”
But, is the news more entertainment than information? Is this what the people want?

16. Social Media Effects on Politics

17. Social Media Effects on Politics

18. Social Media Effects on Politics

19. Social Media Effects on Politics

20. Mass Media Assignment Go to study.com
Mass media in the United States in the 1950’s
Listen to the video
Read the transcript
Venn diagram comparing 1950’s-1960’s to using the definitions of the following terms; investigating journalism,
Print media, broadcast media, sound bites, narrowcasting, press conference, and media events. 5-7 slides. Due for presentation on Wednesday, April 26, 2017.