The Media and American Politics

Write answers to these questions in your notes.

1. Where do you get your news information from?

2. Do you trust your news sources? Explain. 3. What news stories have you recently heard

about?

The Mass Media have often been called the “forth estate” or “fourth branch of government.”

The News Media are the parts of the mass media that tell the public what is going on in the country and the world.

The Agenda-setting theory states that the news media have a large influence on audiences, in terms of what stories are considered

newsworthy and how much prominence, space and time to give them.

Agenda setting allows the media to become a gatekeeper- influencing what subjects become political issues and for how long.

Issue Framing happens when the media or politicians present an issue in a way that will likely get the most agreement from others.

The Media also acts as a “Score keeper”- keeping track of political reputations and candidacies.

The media can serve as a watchdog, aiming at holding the government accountable. It watches for inefficiency and illegal

practices.

The Media also tends to show Sound Bites- brief statements taken from longer speeches or interviews.

When reporting a story, the Media can also show “Talking Heads”- televised pictures showing nothing more than individuals speaking.

News Coverage of Campaigns is greatest in presidential contests and less in statewide races.

TV has also influenced what traits are important in a candidate.

Should a President’s Appearance Matter?

Should appearance matter?

The Media and Voter Choice

The Media and Voter Choice

The News and its Formats

92% of Americans now get their news from multiple platforms daily.

News today is becoming portable, personalized and participatory.

The typical online news consumer routinely uses just a handful of news sites and does

not have a particular favorite.

To review Friday’s content, discuss these key points with your neighbor

• The roles of the Media:– Agenda-setting– Gatekeeper– Issue Framing– Scorekeeper– Watchdog

• How does the media impact:– Candidates’ appearances– Voter Choice

Television has changed American Politics more than any other invention.

The growth of 24 hour news and information shows is one of the most important developments in recent years.

One of the biggest changes in American electoral politics is that most voters now rely more on TV commercials for information about candidates

and issues and less on news coverage.

Much of the advertising is Issue Advocacy- promoting a particular position or an issue by interest groups or individuals but not candidates.

The “Dean Scream”

Even with the advent of TV and Internet, Radio still influences politics.

The Newspaper continues to be read despite circulation declining for the past 30 years.

The Internet has changed how candidates run their campaign.

Let’s Review…

• Why is the media often called the “4th branch of Government?” Do you agree with this designation? Explain.

• How has the creation of the TV and 24 hour news cycle impacted politics?

• How do the following impact politics:– Radio– Newspapers– Internet

The History of the News

If you are taking the AP test in May (or think you are), read MORE about

this in the book…Chapter 10!

The News Media have changed dramatically over the course of U.S. history.

The early American press served as a mouthpiece for political leaders (party press).

In the 1820s-1830s, the press began to shift its appeal away from elite readers and towards the masses.

In the early 1900s, many journalist argued that the press should be independent of the parties and objective.

Radio and TV personalized the news.

News reporters also investigate the news and their investigations often have political consequences.

Media Companies have merged and created large conglomerates (owning many newspapers and TV stations).

What is the problem with the news media becoming consolidated?

Bell work: Discuss the following with your neighbor

• 1. Why is the media often called the “4th branch of Government?” Do you agree with this designation? Explain.

• 2. How has the creation of the TV and 24 hour news cycle impacted politics?

• 3. How has the internet changed how candidates campaign?

• 4. How has the media changed over the course of U.S. History?

The government does regulate the media through the FCC (Federal Communications Commission).

Television’s ability to present images and communicate events has influenced American’s public opinion.

What is Objective and Opinion Journalism?

• Objective: – Journalists do not allow

their personal biases to affect their work

– Take a neutral stance even on difficult matters and give a fair representation of events and issues

• Opinion: – Features a subjective

viewpoint usually with a social or political purpose

– Has a reduced focus on detailed facts or research

Case Study: Romney and the 47% comment

• To examine media bias and the roles of the media, we are going to look at Romney’s 47% comment and how it was portrayed by various news sources.

Bell work: What conclusions can you draw from this data? Write 5 conclusions in your notes.

Based off of this data, where should Obama and Romney place campaign ads? Where should they use to target older voters? Younger voters?

The Media Today

Are the Media Biased?

Factors that Limit Media Influence on Public Opinion

Factors that Limit Media Influence on Public Opinion

What is the Policy Agenda? How does the media affect it?

• Policy Agenda- The informal list of issues that Congress and the President consider the most important for action

• The Press-• Brings the issue to the

attention of the public• Rarely follow policy to

its conclusion• Are criticized for issue

framing, making sound bites out of complex issues

Political Institutions and the News Media

The Government can also release a “Trial Balloon”- intentionally leaking news for the purpose of assessing the political reaction.

Let’s Review Again …

• What limits the media’s impact on public opinion? Explain.

• What is the role of the news in politics? Be sure to mention each branch: Legislative, Executive and Judicial.

Romney 47% Silent Discussion…