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The Mass Media in America | ||||
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Read: D&Z 6 |
1) theoretically-- "What do the theories say about the media?" 2) empirically--
"What have social scientists discovered about the media? 3) comparatively-- "What are the media like in other countries?"
Theoretically elite theory The media is
a powerful avenue of elite control since it has such a powerful effect on
people. If the media are controlled by a few, it supports the
ability of elites to influence the masses' attitudes and behaviors.
The media is
an arena in which groups compete to get their messages across. There
will be multiple access points for all types of groups so that no group is
excluded. Some groups may be able to buy access, others can stage
events to gain media attention and access. Thus diversity of media
sources allow individuals choice and groups access.
democratic theory media
provide the information for citizens to make informed judgments about the
decisions which affect their lives
Empirically Basic Information Americans consume more than 7 hours of media per day estimates are that approximately 20% is "reality content" the rest is "fantasy content" there are 2000+ daily newspapers with 60 million+ papers daily less than 3% of American cities have competing daily newspapers many cities' newspapers (70%+) are part of large chains (ie. Cox, Hearst, etc.) most Americans get their non-local news from one of 2 large news service (AP or UPI) Radio while there are more than 9000 radio stations, few are "all news stations" Television although there are 600+ TV stations, there are 3 major networks (ABC, CBS, NBC) 2 semi-major networks (Fox, Turner, both with small news bureaus) for those with cable, there is usually at least one "all news" stations: CNN
Three Major Trends:
1) The Growth of Cable The expanding number of cable stations, satellite tv, etc. will allow those who seek to avoid political information to do so (All sports, all the time!, the Romance Channel!, Home and Garden TV!, 24 hours of religious programming!)
2) Conglomeratization the media is like any other industry with the growth of conglomerates RCA (NBC) has large holdings in the space and defense industries CBS's parent company owns 4 of the 6 largest publishing houses Cox
Broadcasting owns: 42 cable stations, 60 newspapers, 30 commercial
tv stations
3) News via the computer are you a knowledgeable consumer of information off of the computer? Is the American media dominated by a relative small number of people? Are there a variety of sources? Do the media educate and inform?
1) providing information with the media being commercial enterprises, do they have an obligation to provide politically relevant information and news? the commercial interest vs. public duty debate 2) shaping the political culture do the media provide clear messages about what is important and what isn't in our culture? Does advertising shape our "consumer culture" to the extent that politics is all about advertising, not ideas? 3) structuring the public agenda Do the media decide what will be decided? Monica Lewinsky vs. campaign reform, world economic crisis, etc. 4) has an impact on the institutions of government Lack of trust in public institutions Decline in authority level vs. regime level support 5) government officials attempt to "control" the media The
career aspirations of newspeople vs. "good reporting" The
adversarial nature of the press. The "gotcha
mentality". On Bended Knee Some countries more severely restrict their media Some have state-sponsored media for public purposes: for example-- promoting multiculturalism: SBS (Australia)
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