A discussion of the claim that "agenda setting" by the popular media is the most important factor in shaping the public's view of the importance of an issue.
1,270 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 11 sources, 2002, $ 43.95
Abstract This paper examines the research that has been done on the phenomenon of agenda setting by the popular media, and the influence it has on public opinion. The relevant literature is reviewed, demonstrating that a plethora of studies have established that agenda setting is a common occurrence in the popular media. The opposing argument, that the evidence for agenda setting is purely correlational, is addressed. The effects that this influence has on the public's view of what issues are important are explored.
From the Paper "Agenda setting is a real phenomenon, and is the most important factor in shaping the public's view of the relative importance of a story. Early studies in communications revealed that the media had a minimal effect on public thinking. As such, the study of agenda setting has become one of the first real investigations into the powerful effect of the media on public opinion (Morgan). Agenda setting is important because it shows that the news media has an important role to play in the subjects that the public think about. Agenda setting, in its most insidious form, tells the public what political matters to consider important (Severn & Tankard)."
Tags: communications, thinking, socioeconomic, political, Shaw, McCombs, election, news, television
Abstract This paper evaluates the President's Management Agenda, a method of assessing the management of federal agencies. It looks at how the PMA for President Bush uses a simple grading system ? red, yellow and green ?to report each Federal agency's status and progress in achieving the criterion of success, specific good-government goals articulated for each of the initiatives. It examines how the aim of the President's agenda is to use the elected individuals to identify the government's most conspicuous problems and then solve them and analyzes how President's Management Agenda thus becomes the starting point for management reform.
Outline
The Initiative
The Expected Near-Term Results
The Expected Long-Term Results
Program Initiatives:
Better Research and Development Investment Criteria
Agency: Department of Energy
The Problem
The Initiative
The Expected Near-term Results
The Expected Long-Term Results
From the Paper "The Bureau of the Census has used technology to drastically reduce time in employing manpower. The agency uses an electronic hiring system with managers using desktop, web-based access to an electronic applicant-tracking element that allows managers to see images of applicant resumes and transcripts within twenty-four hours of submission. The system has helped the Census Bureau save a lot of time required to fill computer specialists, statisticians, and mathematical statistician positions from a period of six months to just three days. Since September 1998, the agency has filled 1,000 vacancies using this process (GAO Report 01-357T, 2001)."
Tags: reform, department, of, energy, administration, bush
Abstract This paper discusses President Franklin D. Roosevelt's "new deal" agenda. It describes the causal factors for the agenda of the first "new deal" and the areas to which the deal was supposed to bring relief. The paper then looks at the second new deal and its aims. Finally, the paper discusses the successes and failures of President Roosevelt's "new deal" agendas.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Causal Factors of the New Deal
The First New Deal
The First One Hundred Days
Relief for Unemployment
Recovery
Reform
The Second New Deal
Expanded Labor Reform
The Social Security Act
Successes and Failures of the New Deal
From the Paper "One aspect of long-term economic reform that had to be made is related to the issue of deflation in the American currency. Roosevelt created the National Industry Recovery Act, which demanded that worker wages would incrementally increase along with prices. This reform helped to give rights to workers to build unions under the law, which gave them a greater ability to demand better wages. Also, the Nation Recovery Administration (NRA) was yet another alphabet organization that regulated pricing and wages in many different labor sectors, helping to create more stability and balance. This would eventually create the minimum wage standards that would increase with the inflation of money values, as well as the pricing used by big business and their products."
Tags: unemployment relief reform, social security, NRA
Abstract This study asks the question, how well are news stories perceived by an audience that receives it through a Web-based news source rather than the printed text? This paper examines how the readers of the New York Times agendas are modified according to their exposure to the paper and the method they use to receive it, i.e. internet or printed text.
From the Paper "This study concludes that print readers modify their agendas following exposure more than online readers do. Readers of the print version of the New York Times were exposed to more public affairs than the readers of the online paper. Also, the readers of the paper version perceive the articles differently than the online readers. "Readers of the paper group tended to be relatively more concerned about international issues than subjects in the online group" (Althaus & Tewksbury us, 2002, p. 196). It can then be assumed that readers of the online paper may be ill informed about an important topic, which causes alarm in some researchers (Althaus & Tewksbury, 2002). "this studies findings suggest that temporary incarnations of Internet news are subtly, but consequentially, altering the way that the news media set the public's agenda" (Althaus & Tewksbury, 2002, p. 199) This study answered the research questions presented and got results for the hypotheses."
This paper reviews John Kenneth Galbraith's history of economics "The Good Society: A Humane Agenda", which he wrote when he was nearly ninety years of age.
1,715 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 0 sources, 2005, $ 55.95
Abstract This paper explains that, knowing the cruelties man has inflicted during this century, much of it due to economic reasons, the reader of John Kenneth Galbraith's "The Good Society: A Humane Agenda" wonders whether the concept of a "good society" was a tongue-in-cheek effort to prove to his readers that this "good society" through a higher standard of life is an unattainable goal. The author points out that this book, which demonstrates the demise of Keynesian economics, is more a morality tale than a book on economics. The paper relates that the difficult task Galbreath sets for himself is to differentiate between what is "perfect" and "ideal" and what is achievable, or in his terms---between the "agreeable irrelevant" and the "ultimately possible", which may well contradict each other.
From the Paper "It is idealistic, of course, for anyone trained in economics to proclaim, as Galbreath does, that a good society must provide an upward chance for all, and a reliable economy to sustain employment. This would obviate the "business cycle" of inflation, stagflation, even minor recession. He is, one might comment, a little simplistic when he states the over-obvious: that a steady flow of demand is a vital factor in keeping business going. Of course, if stores sell products customers want, or manufacturers produce goods that are so reasonable to purchase, then the business cycle is on the upswing. What is missing in this idea of a "steady flow" is that manufacturers, given more and improved technology, can now produce higher quality goods more rapidly with robotics and computers that require little or no human assistance, other than supervision. Thus, economics creates the goods at the expense of employment. It is called "downsizing", a word that brings terror to workers and managers alike."
Abstract Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park is currently reviewing the Film and Photography Guidelines, which govern commercial film and photographic activities in the park. At the conclusion of an inaugural conference delegates identified and ranked a number of issues for future action. This paper examines why two highly ranked issues received so little attention, the protection of cultural interests and values and payment to Anangu for the use of Uluru images. Part one of the paper presents background information on Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park and outlines the management of commercial film and photography. Part two discusses the film and photograph guidelines review processes and the influences involved with reference to current theoretical policy models.
Outline
1. Introduction
PART ONE
2. Uluru Background
2.1 Uluru
2.2 Film and Photography Guidelines
2.3 Stakeholders
3. Guidelines Review Process
3.1 Film and Photography Conference
3.2 Working Parties
4. Agenda Formation and Drivers
PART TWO
5. Discussion
Glossary
References
Appendices
From the Paper "The UKTNP Commercial Film and Photography Guidelines (appendix 1) were developed to help maintain the integrity of Anangu culture and protect the World Heritage area. The Guidelines only apply to commercial photographers, and place restrictions on photographing important cultural sites around Uluru and Kata Tjuta (DEH 2004a). Whilst the Guidelines were drawn up in consultation with Anangu, authority is derived from the EPBC Act 1999, and Regulations 2000, where permits are required to conduct commercial activities in a Commonwealth Reserve (EPBC Act 1999). The permit system is divided primarily into two categories, 'to capture' images (r.12:24) and 'image use' (r.12:38)."
Abstract This paper examines how media agenda setting can have wide implications for public discourse and public policy. It looks at how television news programs and cable television news networks can powerfully influence the way the public views the debate (even determining for the viewing public the players in that debate) just by controllling who and what gets on the air.
From the Paper "For a commentator on the Right, like Bill O'Reilly, or for a commentator on the Left like Keith Olbermann, telling a story might mean cutting out, or shrinking down into insignificance those "facts" that due not intend to enhance a particular mindset. Similarly, there can be an added focus on minor details hat tend to skew the reportage toward a specific worldview. Facts perceived of as "dangerous" to the success of some government policy may be excluded from public view altogether, as in the case of war coverage. Ever since the notion became established that the Vietnam War was lost because the public saw too much of the brutal side of battle, the media has been extremely careful not to show much blood and gore. "
Abstract This paper explains the WTO's agenda and its effect on Africa and Europe. It contends that a freer trading Europe would be a prosperous one, not only in terms of greater economic growth for power houses like Britain or Germany but for development for the stagnant Portugal and the emerging Poland. It looks at how it would also have the potential to act as a saviour for the poor and developing world, allowing them to rise from entrenched poverty into prosperity.
From the Paper "The most incendiary and infamous interest group who would stand to lose would be those farmers who benefit from the Common agricultural policy. The CAP is not only an anachronistic subsidy in an age of free trade and globalisation, it is also an enormous one; it consumes nearly fifty percent of the EU's multi billion dollar budget (www.bbc.co.uk). Put simply, the realisation of the WTO's agenda would see a straight loss of L43 billion for the EU's farmers (the total of their subsidy in 2005 figures, www.bbc.co.uk) the loss of their protected standard of living and of their privileged access to the lucrative single European market. One would expect that, now on a level playing field, it would only be a matter of time before African farmers began to offer the European consumer cheap food and other goods which presented serious competition for their European counterparts. "
A summary of the uses and gratifications theory and the agenda-setting theory, two of the most popular and widely recognised theories in communication science.
Abstract This paper studies a local publication, the South African edition of "Men's Health" to investigate the reasoning behind mass media public reading and exposure to this print media product. In order to explain the research findings two prominent mass communication theories are used as theoretical frameworks in the study. This is because an international publication that has over twenty-five versions all over the world, such as "Men's Health", is accessible to many different people on many levels of society and so it therefore forms an integral part of the mass media and provides for an ideal case study. The two theories used are the uses and gratifications theory and the agenda-setting theory, two of the most popular and widely recognised theories.
Outline
Introduction
The Publication
Two Communication Theories
Uses and Gratifications Theory
What Gratifications Are Sought And Obtained?
Media's Role in the Gratifications Process
The Three Processes
Expectancy-Value Theory
Dependency Theory
The Agenda-Setting Theory
Definition
Core Assumptions
Theory Framework and Developments
Contingency Factors
Issue Obtrusiveness
Levels of Agenda-Setting
Critique
Uses and Gratifications Theory
Agenda-Setting Theory
Conclusion
Sources Consulted
From the Paper "The very first definition of the uses and gratifications theory, put forth by Katz, Blumler and Gurevitch (1974), is still among the best and most accurate, stating that the uses and gratifications theory addresses the social and psychological origins of needs, which generate expectations of the mass media or other sources, which lead to differential patterns of media exposure, resulting in need gratifications. This means that the readers of the Men's Health publication are specifically choosing to read the stories in the magazine because they appeal to a certain need that the reader is trying to fulfil. They expose themselves to the media because the contents such as health reports are fulfilling a social or psychological need. "
Abstract This paper explains the circumstances that led to the Polish-Soviet War of 1920. It describes how the Treaty of Versailles left Poland vulnerable on her eastern border and explores how the conflicting agendas of Poland's Head of State and Commander in Chief, Josef Pilsudski, and Soviet Russia's Bolshevik revolutionary leader, Vladimir Lenin, set the stage for an inevitable military and social conflict. It also describes how the climate within each nation shaped the ultimate decision to engage in military combat.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Polish Context and Divergent Agenda The Russian Context and Lenin's Agenda German Troops Left in the Ober-Ost Region
Polish Victory
From the Paper "Trouble in 1919 began with the German withdrawal of Ober-Ost troops from the Poznania Both Pilsudski and Lenin had designs on this territory as each had their own agenda, that was in the best interest of their nationalistic causes. The Soviets viewing Poland's cause as imperialistic, as well as her dependence on the Allies used the actions of the Polish to build their case against not Poland but the Bolsheviks, who for the most part were still detained in Russia. While Pilsudski - was inspired to create a federation of states to Poland's east (of course led by Poland) the perfect border defense to protect Poland's eastern border, his agenda - bringing his beloved Poland back to it's historical "magnificence." Genuine love of country and commitment to development of "political significance in Europe" was his motivation. Lenin was determined to push his movement through Poland to meet Germany (already with KPD communist party established) a much more imperialistic ideal than that of Poland, by most accounts Poland needed to act immediately on the eastern border issue the rejected the "Curzon Line" and lacked allied support in doing so."
A discussion of the events that led to U.N. Secretary-General Boutros Boutros Ghali publishing his pathbreaking document and the events it set in motion thereafter.
Abstract In 1992, at the invitation of the United Nations Security Council, Secretary-General Boutros Boutros Ghali brought out a wide- ranging, thoughtful and ambitious document which he called "An Agenda for Peace". This defined the United Nations' policies for preventive diplomacy, peacekeeping and peacemaking and made a deep impact on the world in the 1990s. The document was also criticized for some of the UN's failures in the 1990s. This paper reviews the background and contents of the document in point form. It attempts to evaluate the document and its impact and concludes with a review of the aftermath of the document.
Outline
Background
An Agenda For Peace: A Summary of Contents
Evaluation
Aftermath
References
From the Paper "The policy of intervention in internal conflicts without waiting for an invitation or consent of the parties and without a clear mandate proved to be a mistake in subsequent years and resulted in failure of missions to Somalia, Rwanda and Bosnia- Herzegovinia. Some dubbed "An Agenda for Peace" as "An Agenda for Failure".
It did not advocate proceeding with caution for settlement of conflicts. By 1997, it became clear that UN had to exercise caution before plunging headlong into various conflicts.
The document was seen by many nations as undermining Sovereignty and aggrandizing the powers of the U.N. The interventionist provisions were combatted by many non- aligned countries. The Big Five in the Security Council were eager to protect their prerogatives and not allow a greater role to the Organisation. This was manifested in their resistance to arbitration by the ICJ."
Abstract This paper reviews and discusses Hezbollah, a militant-terrorist organization. According to the paper, Hezbollah is the driving force behind marches and organizing people in Lebanon and in Palestine in its never ending quest to make war on Israel. The paper further reports that the problem is that Hezbollah seems much better at social agendas than at political ones.
Outline:
Introduction
Social Agenda Economically
The Murder of Rafik Hariri
2006 Showdown Between Hezbollah, Syria, Iran and Israel
From the Paper "This could perhaps be perceived as Hezbollah's attempt to take a giant leap forward in its political representation of Lebanon, and to firmly establish itself in that country in a way that would be the precursor to installing a theocratic Islamic state. There is the possibility, too, that Tehran was running short of patience with the slow progress in that direction, and wanted immediately to create a recognized and forceful extension of itself in Lebanon, and thusly be well positioned geographically to confront the issues of Israel and the American presence in Iraq. This is speculation, since there is no way of knowing exactly what was said and done between Hezbollah and Tehran at that time. What is undeniably clear is the destruction and death that followed."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that in generations gone by, medical treatment in America was little else than a local doctor, while small, regional hospitals existed to take care of surgeries and major medical issues, but in both cases, the options for treatment were limited, and in many cases, patients did not fare well. Luckily, as technology has advanced, so too has the American medical system to the point where many consider the American medical system to be among the best in the world. The writer discusses that this progress has come with a heavy financial burden, however, turning American medicine into an industry, and like most industries, the federal government has taken up a role. In this paper, the federal healthcare agenda is discussed and explored from several points of view in an effort to better understand the many facets of the topic. The writer concludes that American healthcare has in some respects been the barometer of social and economic change in the nation.
Outline:
Introduction
Healthcare Becomes Part of the Federal Agenda Proposed Alternatives to Address the Issue
Successful and Potentially Successful Alternatives/Who Developed the Alternatives?
Concessions in Developing the Alternatives
Conclusion
From the Paper " Introducing this paper, the assertion was made that American healthcare has become an industry and part of the federal agenda. Better understanding of how this came about requires an explanation of the evolution of the American healthcare "industry", and to look at that requires a glimpse into post Civil-War America, of the late 1860s. In that period, two very important events took place-one in America itself and another in Europe- which set the pace for the birth of the American healthcare industry. Domestically, America entered into a period of economic and commercial advancement that would in retrospect become known as the Industrial Revolution, attracting millions of people from rural areas to urban areas in search of work, which led to the demand for organized healthcare in the cities where industrial accidents and the disease associated with large numbers of people living in cramped areas became commonplace. In Europe, scientific discoveries into the nature of germs helped to develop more medicines which could be offered to the sick- at a price, of course."
Abstract The paper explores the assertions that President Bush has injected other agendas into the creation of the Department of Homeland Security. The paper examines the effectiveness of the DHS and posits that not only has the DHS been ineffective but its private contractors have been expensive.
Outline:
Introduction
The Debate of 'Office' Vs 'Department' of Homeland Security
The Bush Agenda The Effectiveness of DHS
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "The work of Ahlers (2007) entitled: "Auditor's: Homeland Security Gets Mixed Grades" reports that congressional auditors gave "mixed grades to the Department of Homeland Security on its efforts to unify 22 agencies into one department and other goals." In what is stated to be a 320-page report of the Government Accountability Office findings states that while the DHS was made progress "in some areas" overall DHS "has failed at major management functions." (Ahlers, 2007) According to Senator Susan Collins, R-Maine and ranking member of the 'Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee' "With so much at stake and so many areas where progress is still required, America cannot settle for a mixed report card." (Ahlers, 2007) Substantial progress is reported in relation to maritime security while only modern progress is reported for: (1) immigration enforcement; (2) aviation security; (3) surface transportation security; (4) critical infrastructure protection; and (5) real property management. (Ahlers, 2007) Only modest progress was reported for: (1) border security; (2) immigration services; (3) acquisition management; and (4) financial management. (Ahlers, 2007) Limited progress is reported for: (1) emergency preparedness and response; (2) science and technology; (3) human capital management; and (4) information technology management. (Ahlers, 2007)"
Abstract The President's Management Agenda is a method of assessing the management of federal agencies. The paper explains that the PMA for current President Bush uses a simple grading system ? red, yellow and green ? to report each Federal agency's status and progress in achieving the criterion of success, specific good-government goals articulated for each of the initiatives. Green indicates the agency meets all the standards for success. Yellow indicates the agency has achieved some, but not all, of the criteria. However, a red means the agency has any one of serious flaws. This paper examines just how effective the PMA is on federal agency performance.
From the Paper "The problem lies in the fact that new programs are frequently created with hardly any systematic review or appraisal of the currently existing programs to deal with the same superficial problem. Over time, there have been many programs with coinciding missions and challenging agendas that just lead to wasting money and puzzling citizens.
Therefore, the government needs to reform its way of functioning as how it runs its business and how it provides to the people it serves; it should also rethink its purpose as in how it characterizes what business is and what services it should provide."
Tags: Policymakers, Administration, Overseas, Presence, Advisory, Panel, State, Department
