MASS MEDIA Introduction the two keys Free media

MASS MEDIA

Introduction: the two keys • Free media are essential to democracy • Media are a business

Trends in modern media • Changing economics • Changing news values • Changing consumption patterns • Decline of newspapers and TV News • Rise of on-line news and social media

Where Americans get their news

Roles of the Media • Gatekeeper • Scorekeeper • Watchdog

Symbiotic Relationship • Information • News formulas • Elite consensus vs. dissensus

Adversarial relationship • Conflicting goals • Media cynicism/negative bias • “sexy” stories

Media Bias

How journalists cover news • News stories • Frames • Ideological bias? • Pack journalism/Conventional Wisdom • “He said, she said” journalism • Over-reliance on official sources

Commercial Bias • Infotainment • News hole/hamster wheel • “Orchestra pit” • Game orientation • Horserace • Conflict • Visuals • “News” bias • Crisis du jour • Laziness/(insufficient news resources)

The power of visuals

2016 Campaign Coverage

Impact of the media on public opinion • Agenda setting • Framing • Priming • Who is most influenced?

Persuasion Opinion Change Exposure Low High Political Sophistication = media persuasion

Conclusion: The Media and Democracy • Importance of media • Balance of power • Who’s to Blame? • Citizen’s role