Chapter 12--Media
Media bias in elections
Debate
While watching debate, write down what influence the media has
on politics….both individual candidates and elections in general.
OBJECTIVES AND AGENDA 1/27


OBJECTIVES

List the differences and similarities between US and foreign
media

Argue the influence Media has on American life. Is the Media
Liberal?

List the rules that dictate the media.
AGENDA---review schedule for the next two weeks

WARM-UP—Watch the video on media bias and debates. As you
are watching, write down the effect media may have had on
the election in 2008. Discuss

Themes of the new and old media

What are the problems with the media?

What means has government enacted to control the effect of the
media?

Patriots example

How influential is the media?—see chart with broadcast
examples

Discuss the rules governing the media.

What are the differences between Broadcast and Print media

See examples
History of the Media—Major themes
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1. Changing media
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Television and Internet vs. newspapers and magazines
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Party Press, Popular press, Magazines, Electronic Journalism,
Internet

More television viewers than newspaper

Blog postings vs. magazine articles
2. Differences in media between Europe and US


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Europe laws are stricter English libel
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1. libel laws are stricter
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2. Official Secrets Act—illegal to leak information (prison
for false or offensive articles.
3. US long tradition of private ownership.

Limits of newspapers---Profit driven: sensationalize story

Media bias---one side of story—editors and writers
4. Adversarial nature of politics and media

Mutual mistrust.

Both attempt to manipulate the other

Very little possible government control Print Media vs.
broadcast—Libel laws or FCC
Example: Patriots and Tom Brady

1. Take one minute to write down your opinions and the
news you know about the above topic. (OTHER THAN
THEY GOT THEIR BUTTS KICKED ON SUNDAY)

Cheat Score

Contradicted Facts
Influence of the Media

Roles: Gatekeeper, Scorekeeper, Watchdog

1. More “liberal” than the average citizen
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2. Majority is also more secular.
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3. Conservative media (radio) more visible
(conservatives do not think their views are reflected)

4. Neutral and Objective????

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A. differences with Routine, Feature, or Insider stories
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B. Bias??? SEE NEXT SLIDE!!!!!
5. GOVERNMENT AND MEDIA
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Congress never as much as President—importance!!!

CSPAN—Both Senate and House---100% of time (committee
hearings)

Leaks??—Separation of powers

1. Adversarial since Vietnam/Watergate/iran-contra

2. Intense competition----Public distrust record highs

3. Sources—both need each other (rewards for less critical—
no readers if not sensational)
Rules governing the media

1. Print media --dictated by the Constitution: 1st
Amendment rules: Libel, public figures law, prior restraint,
Confidentiality of sources—(compel if bears on a crime)

2. Competition with print media has been deregulated.


1900—60% of cities had competing newspapers
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1972—4%--now news is really oriented to local market---most
national news comes from National Media (AP, UPI, National
Magazines, CNN, FOX, MSNBC. USA Today
3. Broadcasting: See next slide for examples

FCC
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License renewal—7 years for radio—5 for television—
”Community needs” regulation—relaxation of renewal

Ownership and content Relaxing standards
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Fairness doctrine—abolished—controversial radio rise

Campaigning
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Equal access and rates

Debates now sponsored to major candidates
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“Horse-race journalism—focus on leading candidate—not issues
Difference between Print and
Broadcast Media

PRINT MEDIA

Broadcast Media

Wardrobe Malfunction

Howard Stern