(10) THE MEDIA

THE MEDIA INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

INTRODUCTION

  • Media: Encompasses various communication platforms such as TV, radio, print, online, and social networks.

  • Key Aspects:

    • Freedom of the media versus governmental interference.

    • The media's influence on public opinion.

    • The media's impact on electoral outcomes.

WHERE PEOPLE GET THEIR NEWS

  • Preference for Digital News:

    • Roughly half of Americans prefer digital platforms for news.

    • Younger demographics (under 50) favor digital devices.

  • News Sources:

    • 52% prefer digital platforms (websites/apps, social media, etc.).

    • 35% rely on television.

    • 7% utilize radio.

    • 5% read print publications.

Age Group Breakdown:

  • Ages 18-29: 71% prefer digital, 16% TV, 7% radio.

  • Ages 30-49: 67% digital, 25% TV, 3% radio.

  • Ages 50-64: 68% digital, 54% TV, 20% radio.

  • Ages 65+: 48% digital, 11% TV, 4% radio.

THE STRUCTURE OF THE MEDIA

  • Media Dynamics:

    • Competition between declining newspapers and rising electronic media.

    • Differences between national and local media; general media often has a more liberal perspective.

  • Press Roles:

    • Gatekeeper: Controls what information is released to the public.

    • Scorekeeper: Tracks political reputations and developments.

    • Watchdog: Investigates and scrutinizes those in power.

RULES GOVERNING THE MEDIA

  • Historical Restrictions:

    • Early press restrictions include the Alien and Sedition Act (1798) and Espionage Act (1917).

    • By the 1930s, interpretations of the 1st Amendment became more expansive.

  • Press Freedom:

    • Newspapers largely free from government regulation with no prior restraint.

    • Issues of confidentiality and privilege for journalists.

RESTRICTIONS ON THE FREEDOM OF THE PRESS

  • Slander and Libel:

    • Definition: Defamation when false information is presented as fact.

  • Classified Information:

    • Governments can request redaction of sensitive information related to national security (e.g., troop movements, undercover operations).

FCC AND MEDIA REGULATION

  • Federal Communications Commission (FCC):

    • Enforces limits on TV and radio programming.

    • Implements fairness doctrine, equal time for candidates, and indecency regulations.

  • Broadcasting Regulation:

    • Must serve community needs.

    • Fairness doctrine (1949) was repealed in 1983.

    • Telecommunications Act of 1996 led to ownership deregulation.

MEDIA CONSOLIDATION

  • In 1983, 50 companies controlled 90% of U.S. media. By 2012, just 6 conglomerates held the same percentage.

CAMPAIGN REGULATIONS

  • Equal Time Rule: Mandates that broadcast media provides equal opportunities for all political candidates.

  • Horse-Race Journalism:

    • Coverage often focuses on electoral competition rather than substantive policy discussions.

AMERICAN MEDIA OVERVIEW

  • Ownership:

    • U.S. government does not own major networks or cable outlets, most media is regionally tied.

  • Media Bias Perception:

    • Mainstream media viewed as unbiased is questioned after the 1990s with the rise of conservative radio.

INDIVIDUAL RESPONSE TO MEDIA

  • Selective Exposure:

    • Individuals expose themselves to information aligning with their beliefs.

  • Selective Attention:

    • Discarding information inconsistent with pre-existing beliefs.

  • Selective Perception:

    • Interpreting information in a way that aligns with their beliefs.

POLITICAL DISAGREEMENTS ON MEDIA

  • Strong partisan divides on media trustworthiness and perceptions of media bias.

  • Criticism of media's political coverage reflects differing party perspectives.

THE PROBLEM OF BIAS

  • Media Influence:

    • The choice of stories reported and the framing of those stories can introduce bias.

EXPERIMENTAL DEMONSTRATIONS

  • Studies confirm that television news shapes public perceptions of importance regarding political issues and presidential evaluations.

HOW DOES BIAS WORK?

  • Priming:

    • Influencing perception of candidates through issue highlighting.

  • Framing:

    • Emphasizing certain issue aspects to promote specific interpretations.

  • Agenda Setting:

    • Shaping public discourse by highlighting some issues over others.

24-HOUR NEWS CYCLE

  • Consequences:

    • Rapid information dissemination can produce shallow coverage and sound bites over substantive reporting.

MEDIA AND POLITICAL CANDIDATES

  • Coverage Trends:

    • Increased focus on commentary rather than straight reporting.

    • Voters often resort to social media for detailed candidate information.

GOVERNMENT AND MEDIA **

  • Presidential Coverage:

    • The President makes up roughly 70% of national news coverage.

  • Congress Coverage:

    • Historically more restrictive, recent changes due to C-SPAN and news leaks foster competition for attention.