Abstract
This paper argues that the media in the United States, Canada and Mexico do not sustain democratic values in investigating government. It is further pointed out that it is important to distinguish between media critique of a particular party/leader and its investigative stance towards government in general. The thesis is argued that while the U.S. model is influential in both Canada and Mexico, the similarities are closest between the U.S. and Canada in that corporate power blocks systemic media criticism of government in both countries.

From the Paper
"The above quote from James Madison, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and drafter of the U.S. Constitution, reveals how important information media are to sustaining values in democratic societies. This being said, the question of the whether the media in the United States, Canada and Mexico are effective in investigating government and sustaining..."

Tags:politics, society, media

Abstract
This paper explains that scholars and the public continue to debate whether the media operates to sustain democratic values. The author points out that, regardless of its role, the normative view of the media is that it should play a complementary role in the functioning of the democratic system. The paper relates the nature of interrelationship between the media and democracy in the three North American countries: Canada, Mexico and United States.

From the Paper
"Scholars as well as common people continue to debate whether the media operates to sustain democratic values. Regardless of its role, people hold the normative view that it should play a complementary role in the functioning of the democratic system. Whether the normative view---through public or more scholarly debates--prevails or not, the persisting debate about it points out that media and democracy are intertwined. This paper examines the nature of interrelationship between the media and democracy in the three North American countries namely, Canada, Mexico, and United States. It aims to shed light on the normative notion of the relationship through a rather objective investigation and analysis."

Tags:media, democracy, unitedstates

Abstract
The paper provides a comparison and contrast of the societies and political cultures of the United States, Canada and Mexico as well as the media operations in each culture. The paper argues that while the U.S. model is influential in both Canada and Mexico, the similarities are closest between the U.S. and Canada in that corporate power blocks systemic media criticism of government. The paper contrasts this to Mexico where a more authoritarian political structure has historically resulted in more direct political control of media by government and political authority as opposed to corporate entities. The paper clearly shows how in neither of the three countries does the media - albeit in different respects - foster democratic values.

Outline:
Introduction
Media in the United States - Personality over Politics
Media in Canada - Politics and Culture
Media in Mexico - Absolute Convergence
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Political and media critics in the United States have argued that one of the defining features of American media's representation of government is its tendency to focus on personality over politics. This can be seen most clearly in presidents, as the recent presidencies of George W. Bush and Bill Clinton have revealed an extraordinary level of focus on one individual personality rather than the complex processes of government itself. In fact, this was a process that began with the era of television in the 1950s, when politicians became celebrities and their political power was closely intertwined with their media images (Schickel 201). Since that time, American political campaigns have been oriented towards television and the importance of the thirty second "sound bite" (Jackson et al. 129)."

Tags:corporate, power, political, control, television

Abstract
This paper describes the way the media operates in the states of Canada, Mexico and the United States, highlighting the problematic issues in each country. The author looks at media bias, issues of balance and equality and Government control and concludes that fairly dramatic steps need to be taken in all three countries.

From the Paper
"The background of the media in all three lands is quite intriguing. Beginning first with Canada, it is clear that the Canadian media has sometimes (perhaps even often) been negligent in its treatment of minorities and of minority views - a state of affairs which calls into question its ability to serve as an accurate "watch-dog" of Canadian politics. For instance, Gidengil and Everitt have found that political utterances by female political leaders have been (at least in recent elections when female political leaders actually began to emerge in Canada) subjected to greater "interpretation" by the media and described in much more "negative and aggressive language" than the language used to describe the campaign-trail utterances of male counterparts. The intimation here is fairly clear: women leaders are generally the victims of a "gendered mediation" (certainly in television news coverage) that diminishes their standing and credibility ("Talking Tough," 209-220; for further evidence of gender bias, please see Gidengil & Everitt, "Conventional Coverage/Unconventional Politicians," 559-577). Suffice it to say, if this sort of mediation is unfolding in Canada, then the media can reasonably be expected to seize upon the failings of parties or governments run by women while simultaneously paying less heed to the failings/shortcomings of parties dominated by men."

Tags:journalistic, democracy, elite-driven, reporters

Abstract
This paper examines how, to truly understand the role of election campaigns have in the final election results, it is essential to understand that two views exist. On one hand, it is argued that the voters decide on their candidate before campaigning commences, while the other view argues that it through this activity that the voters reach their decision. It argues that, in order to be able to comprehend the true nexus between the campaign and voter's minds, the first step is to appreciate that campaigns are as dynamic and multifaceted in character as they are in their effects.

From the Paper
"Many researches have been undertaken to examine how campaigns effect voters during democratic elections to bring the government into office. The researches undertaken initially on this issue were controlled in the sense that inadequate information was available. This meant that the research would be unable to offer a comprehensive answer to the question. The research undertaken by D. Sunshine Hillygus shows that the effect a campaign has is dependant on other factors also and that the campaign does impact the vote bank. Before giving a detailed analysis of these elements it is important the traditional view."

Tags:candidate, american, voters

Abstract
This paper presents a review and evaluation of Ben Bagdikian's "The Media Monopoly". It looks at major themes and ideas and the dangers implicit in the control of all media by six corporations. The paper highlights the impact on a democratic society and the key role of advertising.

From the Paper
"One of the most important books on the subject of the mass media-or more specifically what's wrong with the media-is Ben Bagdikian's The Media Monopoly first published ..."

Tags:Media, Monopoly, Bagdikian, Corporate, Society, Democracy, Advertising

Abstract
This paper examines the complex relationship that exists between the media and the government in modern democratic societies. Specifically, the paper draws on the three examples of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The paper examines the question of whether or not the media can be employed as an effective check against abuses of government power. The author concludes that this is not possible.

From the Paper
"What is the role that the media plays in keeping governments, especially democracies, free from corruption and oppression? Presumably, a free press is an integral and inseparable part of any democratic society. Many critics, both in and out of the government, believe that the role of responsible journalism is to expose government corruption, graft, and the like all the while reporting what is being done to eliminate such blemishes on modern democracies. The media, it is felt, should be a powerful force for cleaning up the government."

Tags:media, government, relationship

Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that mass media represents a vital tool within the frame of democratic societies due to two major roles. The writer notes that on the one hand, media informs people about different events, draws a parallel between various points of view and reveals facts that the powerful try to conceal from the public. In this regard, mass media may be considered an essential advocate of people's right to information. The writer then discusses that on the other hand, media can be viewed as a public opinion barometer as it expresses the masses' fears, concerns and opinions towards current events. The writer concludes that on the one hand, media can help the audience get a clearer picture of the ongoing events and, on the other hand, it can manipulate public opinion in favor of the powerful.

From the Paper
"Thus, Herman and Chomsky argue that media represent a business that is subordinated to the same profit goals as any other business. Consequently, the large corporations that run media outlets strive to maximize turnover and minimize cots. This supreme aim impacts the type of news that is broadcasted and/or printed and the perspective that a reporter provides on the respective topics. Therefore, for the sake of profit, many entrepreneurs in the media field sacrifice news quality even if this implies concealing things or presenting issues in a less accurate manner."

Tags:broadcast, voter, freedom, of, expression, print

Abstract
The writer of this paper relates that media has become extremely powerful today and he can understand why it is referred to by some as the "fourth branch of government". However, the writer asserts that if our citizens have given media the responsibility of being our watchdog, this responsibility has been misplaced especially with twenty-four hour cable media which appears to be divided down party lines, with FOX News being labeled as having a "conservative" viewpoint, while CNN is considered the "liberal" democratic voice. The writer contends that with such a division, it does not appear that major media outlets are truly unbiased, therefore, the "watchdogs" we choose are most likely based on our political inclinations and views. The writer suggests that maybe an alternate label is due---rather than watchdog, the media should be labeled either liberal or conservative watchdogs depending on the particular view of the media outlet that is being observed.

From the Paper
"Media has become extremely powerful today and I can understand why it is referred to by some as the "fourth branch of government". However, if our citizens have given media the responsibility of being our watchdog, this responsibility has been misplaced. Especially with twenty-four hour cable media, which appears to be divided down party lines, with FOX News being labeled as having a "conservative" viewpoint, while CNN is considered the "liberal" democratic voice. With such a division, it does not appear that major media outlets are truly unbiased, therefore, the "watchdogs" we choose are most likely based on our political inclinations and views."

Tags:media, campaign, finance

Abstract
The paper relates that one of the most prominent themes in the field of media studies concerns how mass media interests attempt to direct and shape public opinion through advertising. The paper notes that while research in this area is often fascinating, focusing on the subtle complexities of marketing to a media-sophisticated and saturated society, it may be argued that this is only one part of a much larger and more significant issue: how the corporate-controlled mass media shapes public ideology itself. This paper proposes to approach this research question through study of academic research on the concept of ideology, with particular reference to the mass media and corporate capitalism. While politics will necessarily be discussed, the focus here is nonetheless on the broader scope of ideology rather than a narrow political frame. As is seen, while Western political parties such as Liberals and Conservatives or Democrats and Republicans may have political differences, all partake of the ideology of free market corporate capitalism. To borrow a concept from the American theorist Noam Chomsky, corporate capitalism - through its control over the mass media - is effectively "manufacturing consent" for its ideological hegemony over Western societies.

From the Paper
"One of the most prominent themes in the field of media studies concerns how mass media interests attempt to direct and shape public opinion through advertising. While research in this area is often fascinating, focusing on the subtle complexities of marketing to a media-sophisticated and saturated society, it may be argued that this is only one part of a much larger and more significant issue: how the corporate-controlled mass media shapes public ideology itself. This paper proposes to approach this research question through study of academic research on the concept of..."

Tags:media, ideology, culture