Today's Questions: What power does the mass media have in informing and shaping public opinion about political issues and candidates?
Vocabulary:
blog
blogosphere
broadcast media
horse-race journalism
linkage institution
mass media
medium
new media
print media
public agenda
sound bite
Introduction:
In today's world, the mass media is more powerful than ever when it comes to informing and shaping public opinion. It is one of those linkage institutions (like political parties and interest groups) that connect people to their government officials and vice-versa. It is important to examine the role of the media in American politics today, especially given the array of new media outlets with the advent of the World Wide Web. There are several components to today's lesson, each with a focus question and each lasting about 20-25 minutes:
-The media's role and scope
-Media Bias
-Shaping issues and debate
Activities:
QUESTION ONE: What is the role of the media in the American political system?
Read pages 287-288 in your textbook as an introduction to the mass media. Given the background provided here, be prepared to discuss and debate Question One in class.
QUESTION TWO: Are the television and mainstream print media biased?
We're going start by watching a brief film from the Newseum Web site concerning media bias. (If trying to watch from home, click the link below. You may have to register to view the video.)
Many critics of the mainstream media, as you saw in the video, insist it has a liberal bias. But does it? Here's a different take on the media from some who insist that the concept of "the liberal media" is a myth.
Now it's time to discuss and debate Question Two. What factors should go into evaluating whether a newspaper, magazine, or program is biased? Other than political bias, can you think of any other forces that might make the mainstream media biased in its reporting?
QUESTION THREE: How does the media help shape debate on the issues?
First, watch the first two minutes only of this video of the 1992 townhall style debate with President George H.W. Bush, Governor Bill Clinton, and billionaire H. Ross Perot.
News coverage of presidential debates is important. It helps citizens to filter and interpret what was said, how it was presented, and any misleading statements the candidates make. What aspect of this clip do you think the mainstream media should have and/or did focus on?
Now let's check out The Daily Show's focus on Fox News's story on the "War on Christmas."
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
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What does this clip illustrate about the American media?
Now examine the following opening paragraph to a May 7, 2012, story from the Associated Press ("GOP Plan Boosts Pentagon, Cuts Social Programs"):
A key House committee has voted to cut food aid, health care and social services like Meals on Wheels to protect the Pentagon from a crippling wave of budget cuts come January.
What bias can be seen in this opening sentence? How might this sentence help to, even unintentionally, frame the discussion before it begins?
Let's now debate Question Three.
Assignment/Homework:
-Read Wilson and DiIulio (textbook), Chapter 12 (pp. 286-310) on the media and its role in our political system. Also, browse through factcheck.org and the Media Research Center's Web site (linked below) for insight into how some see themselves as watchdogs of our politicians and the media.
Contribute to our online discussion here
-For review, you can also watch this video from the learner.org.
Bias in the Media
Web lesson and video from the Newseum. You need to register and log in to view the video.
Factcheck.org
Media Research Center