How do the media connect Canadians to their government?

Textbook pages 46-49

Where do you get your news?

How does the source of your news affect the information you get? At times, you may only get one side of a

story from a national news media. Different newspapers may provide

different points-of-view based on their ideas, beliefs and values and depending on how they feel about government involvement.

Some newspapers are more sensation oriented. A tabloid will give a different picture/image than a more mainstream newspaper.

Do some formats communicate more effectively than others? Not necessarily – it depends on the focus

of the format. A local TV station isn’t likely to cover global

news as extensively A local newspaper for a small town will

communicate local news more effectively than other (i.e.: The Herald Tribune on municipal election)

Some people prefer short columns with pictures while others prefer more in-depth coverage.

It depends on how you want your news!

How do you know if you have access to well balanced information? You need to look at the source and their

experience Some radio stations rely on quick

“sound bites” – you are not always getting all of the information

The Internet can be a questionable source depending on the site. You will need to check the accuracy of the information you are looking at against other sources

How do reporters see their role? Media is everywhere – it includes

newspapers, magazines, film, radio, television, the Internet, books, billboards and even Twitter.

The media influence our personal understanding of the world and how it works

Media messages are created by people who interpret the facts and make choices about how to tell the story

Slogans A slogan is a well known catch phrase

repeatedly used by politicians and marketers to present an idea

What are some examples of other well-known slogans?

Where does information come from? Media such as newspapers, television

and radio get their information from press conferences and interviews with politicians or government spokespersons.

Journalists get information from the above and from regular or trusted sources - people in a position to know information, but who don’t want to be identified as the source.

What is the relationship between politicians and the media? Relationships between the media and

politicians are always shifting depending on the circumstances. Generally speaking, politicians try to keep the relationship in good shape because they rely on the media to get their message out to the public.

At difficult times when government actions are in question, relations between government and media become very challenging.

Why do you think groups in Canada want media outlets that serve their community?

It helps maintain their culture and identity

Information can be provided in the language(s) that members of the group are most comfortable understanding

It provides news of local interest with which they are concerned every day

These outlets focus on issues and questions that are important to the group

It represents the points-of-view or perspectives within their culture

The Parliamentary Press Gallery

This is an association of reporters who cover the decisions and actions of Canada’s government

It includes about 350 reporters from media outlets across Canada

* See page 48 for a list of examples *