Abstract This paper contends that in modern society the citizenry of the United States maintains extensive expectations of its political representatives. It explains that from the onset of any campaign in the country today the individuals that run for public office are scrutinized for their political beliefs, their personal history, and the impact that they have with their public presence. the author claims that in recent years the media has found that when they are capable of creating a heightened tension between candidates for public office, they are also capable of creating entertainment that equals media dollars from the public that it is supposed to serve.
From the Paper "In modern society the citizenry of the United States maintains extensive expectations of its political representatives. From the onset of any campaign in the country today the individuals that run for public office are scrutinized for their political beliefs, their personal history, and the impact that they have with their public presence. In recent years the media has found that when they are capable of creating a heightened tension between candidates for public office, they are also capable of creating entertainment that equals media dollars from the public that it is supposed to serve. This focus on politics as entertainment is an issue that has many within the country questioning whether the media has crossed the line of ethical behavior, and is ceasing to do its expected job of informing the public with the truth about those in our political system. Traditionally Americans look to the news media as a source of precise ..."
Abstract In this article, the writer explores the issue of media bias in Newsweek magazine and the Washington Post newspaper. The writer focuses on two different articles on the same media event. The writer then discusses how both Newsweek and the Washington Post reflect bias based on the quotations chosen for the story.
From the Paper "The United States has long prided itself on having a free press. The journalism field conversely has long purported to be non partisan and fair in its reporting practices. However, close analysis of media outlets often reveals bias in the way certain topics are handled. Reporters are human and often their particular bias creeps into their story and is not eliminated by the editorial staff. This paper will analyze two articles by different media outlets on the same political event and demonstrate liberal and conservative biases in the reporting ... "
This paper explores whether the media in the United States, Canada and Mexico are effective in investigating government and sustaining democratic values in their societies.
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 In this article the writer examines the relationship between politics and the media. The writer discusses the influence that the media in the United States has on elections and on politics in general. The writer focuses on how the media helps to construct the publics views on politics.
From the Paper "Most Americans gets their information about election campaigns through the news media. Consequently the news media play an important part on how Americans form their views of politics. Traditionally the news media and the American people believed that the news reporter's role was to report the news and to offer contextual analysis of the news to help the viewer understand the relative significance of the events, reported Froomkin. An important part of this role included questioning the people who were making the news about ... "
Abstract This paper explains that, whereas during the period of Watergate American media and journalism had high credibility, during the 1980's and 1990?s, this trend withered away. The author points out that big business has become so powerful in America over the past few decades that the media often treats it with kid gloves. The paper contends that, as a result, there has been a transformation of the role of the media from a Fourth Estate watchdog to a politically correct parrot. There has been a great deal of commercialization in the media, and many of Hollywood's elements are now seen in the media.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Role of the Media Politics and the Media How Watergate Changed the Role of the Media A New Era of Journalism
The New Role of the Media Elements of Hollywood in the Media The Trend of Investigative Journalism
Media Ethics
Conclusion
From the Paper "On June 17, 1972, police caught five men trespassing in the offices of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) in the Watergate office complex.The burglars, led by former CIA agent James McCord, were not after money or valuables. Rather, they were attempting to plant listening devices in the DNC offices. The team of burglars was part of a top-secret unit organized out of the White House by Nixon administration operative E. Howard Hunt and G. Gordon Liddy, the director of "security" for the Committee to Re-Elect the President, Nixon's private campaign organization. Nixon told Liddy and Hunt to hire the team of burglars to track down administration leaks to the press. When the group was caught at the Watergate, the White House attempted shut down the investigation, paying Hunt, Liddy and the burglars to remain quiet."
Tags: investigation, reporting, commercialization, hollywood, business
Abstract This paper investigates the implication of how a media oligopoly affects the American media audience in terms of which stories are chosen for broadcast and the implication of control that accompanies the presence of joint media control. There is a focus on how a single media force could potentially affect the political spectrum.
From the Paper "The concept of a media conglomeration is simple to define yet difficult to prove. The image of a "media conglomeration" smacks of outright conspiracy, where the image of several angry, older Caucasian males sitting in a room and determining the fate of the media comes immediately to mind. However, there is a growing amount of evidence that serves to indicate that there is indeed some growing form of an outright central media that is owned and operated by a core group of companies. If this is indeed the case, then this provides grounds for concern where the media is no longer seen as an impartial witness to major events and less-newsworthy social happenings."
Abstract This paper examines the direct effects that the media have on voter preference. The author focuses on the media coverage and political campaigning strategies in Great Britain and Germany, evaluating media coverage of the previous two national elections in both states, and examining press media coverage of campaigning and the overall effect it plays in the election process.
From the Paper "Once voter interest is obtained, appealing political media images are a good and often successful means of influencing the popular vote. As one-third of voters know nothing about particular politicians yet still hold strong emotions toward them, the voter attitude toward candidates and political parties is a good predictor of voter decisions. Various studies establish the ability of the political advertisements to lodge in viewer minds elements by which politicians can be judged, furthermore; political advertising can provide voters with specific image characteristics of candidates that relate to voter choice. Cwalina, Falkowski, & Kaid concluded political advertising can possibly affect voters in three ways: 1) Advertisements can strengthen already existing voter preferences; 2) Advertisements can weaken existing preferences of uncertain voters and may cause change of such preferences; 3) Advertisements can re-create the image of the candidate."
Tags: election, engineering, political, politics, science, press, germany, united, kingdom
Abstract This paper explains that Robert W. McChesney's book "The Problem of the Media," deals with inadequate journalism, hyper-commercialism and overwhelming media power in the United States. The author reports that the points out how the various issues in the media problem are inter-connected.
From the Paper "Robert W McChesney's book "The Problem of the Media" takes an in-depth look at how politics and government policies have shaped the media in the United States and debunks long-standing myths regarding the media. McChesney also addresses ..."
Tags: McChesney, The Problem of the Media, journalism, politics, commercialism, conglomerate, media policies, media reform, public media, monopoly
This paper discusses Ben H. Bagdikian's "The Media Monopoly", which describes the problems of the concentration of giant companies in the mass media industry in the U. S..
Abstract This paper explains that the companies which dominate the mass media have dominant influence over the public's news, information, public ideas, popular culture and political attitudes because they not only control the media but also have influence on government because of this ability to manipulate the public. The author points out that this also affects advertising because large newspapers target the big retailers and advertisers with their big budgets; leaving corner grocery stores' advertising to the dwindling small neighborhood papers. The paper relates that Bagdikian proposes (1) an international convention whose role it would be to examine anti-trust in the mass media and (2) corporations be socially responsible in order to prevent "giantism" in the media.
From the Paper "Commercial TV does have a foe, though, that of noncommercial TV. First, the noncommercial TV steals members of the audience away from commercial TV. Second, noncommercial TV reminds people that there is a choice in viewing and "an alternative to the heavy doses of sex-and-violence, fantasy advertising, and programs designed to create a 'buying mood'." Third, noncommercial TV can be honest. The author points out that this also effects advertising because large newspapers target the big retailers and advertisers with the big budgets; leaving corner grocery stores' advertising to the dwindling small neighborhood papers. They are able to deal with the issues affecting the public, as well as the controversies "in ways avoided by commercial broadcasters whose advertisers, understandably, do not wish their products associated with public controversy." "
Abstract This research paper discusses how, why and when TV caught on with the political world, and why people choose the media as an alternative source of information to politics. The author also talks about a few infamous TV ads and debates that set a precedent in American politics and examines the ongoing debate over negative political advertising.
From the Paper "Since the inception of free media back in the very first days of our country, politicians quickly learned that they would need to learn on how to use the media to their advantage. When major newspaper companies surfaced in every major city, politicians realized that they would have to place advertisements in all of the major newspapers to be a serious candidate in an election. Newspapers were the first dominant source of political advertisements. After newspapers, radio took over as the dominant source, and finally TV. Radio caught on quick, but it was not as effective as TV soon proved to be."
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."
Abstract The role of media spin in American politics is demonstrated through a fictitious Democratic Party memorandum on the media theme that Democrats "lack a message." The media theme is demonstrated, and a response - focusing on values of honesty and competence - is offered as a counter spin.
Abstract This paper describes a memorable Olympic media event in which two American track and field athletes, Tommie Smith and John Carlos, took advantage of global media coverage of their medal awards ceremony to make a dramatic political statement. The author rpoints out that this famous media event from the 1968 Olympic Games is an example of human reaction to the emergence and social construction of culture. The paper relates that, in this ritual of defiance and sorrow, Tommie Smith and John Carlos reflected their basic ethics and values because they were angered by their country economic and political systems in which economic relations were governed by the dominance of an elite class.
From the Paper "In "The Media and Popular Culture", the author describes a memorable Olympic media event in which two American track and field athletes, Tommie Smith and John Carlos, took advantage of global media coverage of their medal awards ceremony to make a dramatic political statement. As millions of people around the world watched, they raised their black-gloved fists and bowed their heads as the Star Spangled Banner was played. (Edles) Obviously, Tommie Smith and John Carlos considered themselves symbolic actors on a global stage, for their presence representing their country as African American athletes, combined with their raised fists and bowed heads, offered the world beyond Mexico City a symbolic protest against racism in the United States."
Abstract This paper introduces, discusses and analyzes M. Parenti's book, "Inventing Reality". The paper explains that the book is about the impact of major American corporate print and broadcast organizations on the political process, and the impact of politicians on the media.
From the Paper In "Inventing Reality", Parenti analyzes the impact that the news media, specifically the major American corporate print and broadcast organizations, have on the political process as well as the impact that political power holders have on media-organization policy and operations. The fundamental theme is that the news media make a project of either distorting or censoring information for the purpose of serving both corporate and entrenched political interests. Why that is significant goes to Parenti's observation that the media cultivate an image of objectivity, comprehensiveness and truth..."
Abstract This paper discusses the Thomas Patterson book "Out of Order," which takes the mainstream media to task for how it covers modern presidential campaigns. The paper concurs with Patterson's argument that the media has taken over many of the duties formerly handled by the political parties themselves, such as judging a candidate's qualifications and bridging the gap between candidates and voters. It is also critical of both the quantity and quality of the media's coverage, arguing that the incessant coverage of the polls and other "horse race" type stories discourage voters from paying attention more carefully.
From the Paper "In the book Out of Order, a scathing critique of the failures of the current state of media coverage of presidential campaigns, author Thomas Patterson strongly disagrees with the notion that the news media serves as an adequate mechanism to deliver election news in a manner conducive to the demands of democracy. Instead, Patterson argues that the reforms of the McGovern-Fraser Commission inadvertently changed the role that the media is expected to fulfill in elections. With the decline of political parties as a force in the nomination process, the media is no longer expected to simply fill the role of watchdog. Instead, the media is now expected to play the dual role of the party as well, establishing candidates' fitness for office, and bridging the gap between candidates and voters as the party once did."
