The Mass Media and Public Opinion

The Mass Media

• News media, like newspapers and television, play a crucial role in shaping public opinion. They track politicians, report on events, and influence public agenda.
• Media outlets are often businesses focused on profit, which can impact the news they choose to report.
• The media can act as a "watchdog" by exposing government misconduct or waste.
• They can also "spin" the news to present a particular viewpoint, influencing perspectives.
• Citizens can better understand media messages by recognizing the diverse viewpoints of those in the media.
• The media play a key role in informing the public about government and politics, but can also have a strong influence on what issues get most attention.

Content Vocabulary

• Print Media: Newspapers, magazines, newsletters, and books.
• Electronic Media: Radio, television, and the internet
• Public Agenda: Important issues that receive government attention.
• Prior Restraint: Government preventing media from publishing information before it's released.
• Leak: Secret release of information to the media.
• Libel: False information intentionally published that harms reputation.
• Malice: Deliberate intent to harm someone.

Academic Vocabulary

• Acknowledge: To admit or recognize something as true or valid.
• Benefit: An advantage or profit.
• Regulatory: Rules created to govern or control.

Reading Strategy

• Create a chart to record the impact of different types of media on shaping ideas.

Media and Elected Officials

• Journalists and politicians have a complex relationship, relying on, but sometimes clashing with each other.

• Politicians may 'leak' information to friendly journalists to gauge public reaction without admitting to their actions.

• Information leaks play a significant role in political decision-making and public engagement.

Coverage of Candidates

• Modern media, most notably television, make running for office possible for individuals who might not have traditionally been involved in politics.
• Now celebrities and sports personalities can easily move into major political roles.
• Media significantly influences the public figures known to the general public.

Media and National Security

• Balancing public information with national security is a complex issue.
• Government attempts to manage the flow of news about national security sometimes constrain journalist coverage.

Media Safeguards

• The First Amendment to the US Constitution protects freedom of the press, but this doesn't mean that reporting has no limitations.
• Libel remains a limitation-false information isn't allowed, and it needs to be done with a motive to do harm to reputation.
• Public figures have a harder time in libel cases than private citizens. They need to prove actual malice.
• Media shield laws protect reporters from revealing their sources in certain situations.

Regulating the Media

• The federal government has specific powers to control broadcast media, due to limited spectrum availability.
• This oversight is handled by the FCC.
• The FCC can impose penalties on broadcasting stations that break guidelines.