...Introduction The media is the link between the public and politics. However, while media sources are viewed as purveyors of the day's news, they maintain considerable influence on politics. It is important to differentiate the concept of media influence from the concept of media bias. While some media sources will have an undoubted bias in the way they are reporting the news and the issues they select and prioritise, this does not necessarily equate with influence. Influence can be far less obvious or overt than bias, and can lead to changes in opinion in an indirect manner. While United States news outlets such as Fox News or the New York Post may have a more direct political bias, other outlets such as CNN or the New York Times – while appearing less openly biased – will also wield considerable influence. Similarly, in the United Kingdom, while The Daily Mail has an agenda which must be obvious to many who read it, less openly biased newspapers such as The Guardian will still have the potential to influence politics and politicians. In fact, media sources with a less overt bias will have potentially more influence than others, as they could be considered to be more reliable or trustworthy than biased tabloid entertainment news. This paper will assess the issue of media influence on politics, and evaluate the methods and forms this influence can take. Discussion Media Influence The role of the media in influencing politics has been long recognised. Comparative analysis of media sources...
Words: 1775 - Pages: 8
...political socialization that can influence a person’s opinion or value about something. Everyone does not have the same value and opinions as others do because we were all raised different. There are also many influences of political socialization. Friends, neighbors, and other peers influence political socialization. Two major influences of political socialization are family and school. Family and school have been an influence that we have seen from early childhood and the media has acted as agent of political socialization. Family is one of the two most important influences on political...
Words: 868 - Pages: 4
...The media is too influential and this undermines democracy in the UK. This paper will examine the above statement in regards to media undermining democracy. It will look at arguments both for and against, what influence the media has on our democracy, it will look in to media and government bias, refer to statistics along with some theories, this is to try and determine if behaviours and attitudes can be influenced by what we see and hear in the media. Other points that will be addressed include the effects of spin and how the media tends to deliver its information to its audience. In todays society more or less everyone knows about the media. We as a nation tend to partake in some kind of media activity daily. It has been said that we take the modern media very much for granted as we are totally immersed in them. For example “Just as fish will be the last life form on earth to discover water, because they are completely surrounded by it and know of nothing else” (the new politics, 2007:301). There for it’s hard to imagine what life would be like without the daily paper, radio and tv. Some allege that the effects of the media are strong and clearly visible, however others argue with equal conviction that the media have minimal or no direct effects (the new politics, 2007). According to the reinforcement theory the media can only reinforce attitudes that already exist and this is down to two reasons markets and personality. They believe that the effects of mass media are...
Words: 1513 - Pages: 7
...Influence in Everyday Politics The Chinese political realm differs vastly from liberal democracies that people in the west are familiar with. The statement “in China today, the general public have no political influence” is complicated by a focus on everyday politics. Chinese citizens do participate in everyday politics, although not in the direct way found in democratic nations. The power of social media in China is allowing internet users to express dissatisfaction with the government, even in the face of censorship. The power of social media and its political influence is illustrated through the 2011 Wenzhou train collision case, which ignited outrage from online communities and led to the exposure of corruption amongst government officials. Typically, when a person thinks about the western concept of political influence, voting in a democratic election comes to mind. For the average citizen, their vote represents their voice in politics. If a person is not satisfied with the government or want to voice their concerns, they are able to freely criticize the state or engage in peaceful protests. They may also participate in politics by joining a political party or even forming a new party. The western concept of political influence centers on free speech and acting directly to affect politics. The concept of political influence by the general public in China is vastly different from western norms. The political system in China is not a liberal democracy, thus many foreigners...
Words: 1688 - Pages: 7
...Balance of Media Media is a huge part of politics. Without the mass communication systems we have in the US today, there would be an even bigger knowledge gap in our population. The percentage of people who are actually up to date on current politics and issues is astounding when you look at all the media coverage these areas have. The media serves as a politician’s biggest survivor tool and worst enemy; although some like to say any media is good media, when dealing with politics it can be a detriment, not only to a politician but to the entire political system. Having freedom of press leaves unlimited opportunities to convey whatever news there may be in whatever way best suits that source. How the media influence has changed people’s mind about politics can be seen as good and bad. With an already considerably low number of citizens active in their knowledge of politics, the media is a huge reliant. Without television broadcast, and radio stations there would be millions of more people clueless as to what is going on in our government. So for their general purpose of simply informing the public, the media overflow is a good thing and has positive influence on people. There are also media outlets that stand on either side of the spectrum, so people can see the difference and get the correct information for both sides. And even better there are some less popular channels that convey both sides equally without bias toward either party or view, making an excellent source...
Words: 757 - Pages: 4
...THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES ON POLITICAL CHANGES IN THE MIDDLE EAST Name Institutional affiliation Date The influence of social media has been felt over many spheres in life. Over the past half a decade, the Middle East countries have been using the social media as a platform in airing their grievances on their governments’ nepotism, dictatorship, and economic stagnation among other political issues that have affected their countries since time immemorial. This paper discusses the influence that the social networks such as facebook, twitter, and YouTube have had influence on the political changes in the Middle East. The paper uses three distinct sources by Samantha M. Shapiro, Alexis Madrigal, and Philip N. Howard and Muzammil M. Hussain. The research conducted by these authors and analysis shows that these social networks have improved civic organization and information sharing but still has a long way to go in realization of real change in the politics in the Middle East. Learning the influence of social networks on the political changes in Middle East is important in getting to understand the future of the politics in the region. As other countries are enjoying the fruits of democracy, the people in these countries are deprived off the basic needs of a healthy nation such as freedom of speech. With the many positive aspects that have come with social networks, it is optimistic that the rise of these social networks will have a positive influence on promoting...
Words: 1573 - Pages: 7
...Political Science 201 June 7, 2012 Media’s Negative Effect in Politics The media plays a heavy negative role in American politics. During the past few years, society’s judgment has been based on what was given to it through the media. People rarely specifically research on candidates or propositions anymore. Much of the mass media is biased by trying to persuade viewers into believing what they want them to believe are true. Media is created for consumption by a large number of people watching it. The media has a remarkable impact on politics, which is not always good or beneficial. The data collected from the media can either be used for or against a politician. If a politician is favored by a certain network, such as CNN, NBC, or FOX, then the network can help his or her career reach new heights; however, if a politician is disliked then the network is capable of destroying the politician’s career. The media has the desire to make decisions for itself and in return try to convince people of its rightness and distort its viewers’ perspectives. There are many different types of media that can have a different influence on society’s political view. The four biggest forms of media are radio stations, newspapers, the internet, and television. People could tune into radio stations or talk radios to listen to political candidates being interviewed. An example would be in 1992 when "President George H. Bush interviewed with conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh" (Curl). Non-political...
Words: 2554 - Pages: 11
...Callanta Dr. Gloria Guevara Politics 101 28 February 2013 Political Power Power has been something mankind has endlessly fought for from our very beginning. And though we’ve come a long way from war-waging territorial disputes to form the great countries we have now, it’s something we still use greatly today whether it be something small such as being head of household or head of the company. In this paper I will be discussing possibly the greatest power there is: political power. To start, let’s define what power is. Power in relation to politics is the driving force of politics. Without power our governments could not function. In politics, power has many sources which include a large population, thriving economy, united society and wise leadership. Political power is usually seen as national wealth or even military spending and it is never equally distributed. (Magdstadt 3,4) So now, what is politics? Politics is puzzling and for the most part goes unrecognized, but most of us can see it when it is put to the test. We as a community select a certain few and empower them, (Magdstadt 3) so that they can convey what it is that we want, and who can provide us with what we need. People can participate in politics, by voicing their opinion on how things should be enforced. They can do this by participating in elections or partaking in a referendum when they believe something should be changed. (Magdstadt 274, 280) This affects public interest because politics is first and foremost...
Words: 1602 - Pages: 7
...THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES ON POLITICAL CHANGES IN THE MIDDLE EAST Name Institutional affiliation Date The influence of social media has been felt over many spheres in life. Over the past half a decade, the Middle East countries have been using the social media as a platform in airing their grievances on their governments’ nepotism, dictatorship, and economic stagnation among other political issues that have affected their countries since time immemorial. This paper discusses the influence that the social networks such as facebook, twitter, and YouTube have had influence on the political changes in the Middle East. The paper uses three distinct sources by Samantha M. Shapiro, Alexis Madrigal, and Philip N. Howard and Muzammil M. Hussain. The research conducted by these authors and analysis shows that these social networks have improved civic organization and information sharing but still has a long way to go in realization of real change in the politics in the Middle East. Learning the influence of social networks on the political changes in Middle East is important in getting to understand the future of the politics in the region. As other countries are enjoying the fruits of democracy, the people in these countries are deprived off the basic needs of a healthy nation such as freedom of speech. With the many positive aspects that have come with social networks, it is optimistic that the rise of these social networks will have a positive influence on promoting...
Words: 1573 - Pages: 7
...government to account and increasing participation in politics. Firstly, pressure groups are democratic as they can be seen to educate and inform the public about important issues. Pressure groups promote debate and argument making the public more informed on issues and decisions they wish to have an influence on. This can be done through the use of the media which allows pressure groups to get widespread recognition and awareness of their cause, whilst giving several methods to allow the public to engage. Furthermore many pressure groups can force the media to cover issues that may have been lost. For example the BMA presents important facts and figures through the media such as 1/3 of adults in England are obese. They convey this information through the media attracting public attention to such shocking figures, highlighting important issues educating the electorate whilst informing public of their cause. However pressure groups can be undemocratic as they can be seen to wield more influence than their place in society warrants, through drastic action recognised by the media. This promotes views on very small issues within society which can gain great interest through media attention, even though other pressure groups that may promote a more important cause within society gain less influence due to the lack of media attention. For example Justice for Ghurkas were able to launch a large campaign which was recognised by the media due to celebrity involvement. This mean that in 2009...
Words: 881 - Pages: 4
...Introduction The purpose of this interview was to examine the role of media in the electoral process, or during elections to be precise. The activities of the media are various, so this perhaps was just by noting and classifying some of the things the media do in elections. The interview was quite entertaining and there were no conflicting views or controversial opinions. The interview was conducted via cell phone while the interviewee was in the comfort of her home. This set a casual and comfortable tone for the interview. The topic for the essay which stood out after the interview was “ELECTIONS AND THE NEWS MEDIA.” Below is a summary of the interview: What is Media? Most journalists define media as a channel of communication through which news, entertainment, education, data or promotional messages are disseminated. Broadcasting, newspapers, magazines, TV, radio, billboards, telephone, fax and internet are all considered media. Who are the News Media? News media are those elements of the mass media. Generally focus on delivering news to the public or target public. Print media such as newspapers and news magazines are part of news media. Broadcast news such as radio and television, Internet such as online newspapers and news blogs are all news media. So what is a newsreel? (follow-up question) Newsreel was a documentary film common in the first half of the 20th Century. This released a public presentation place containing filmed news stories on a regular basis...
Words: 1410 - Pages: 6
...Noah Chadwick Lecture 5 Reading Responses Vincent Raynauld Social Media and Politics Long ago in the history books of America and around the world politics occurred in open spaces and in crowded rooms. Grass roots organization actually occurred on grass. In the new millennium the political landscape is rapidly changing and people don’t know what to consider a fickle trend or an actual anthropological shift in the way in which politics operates today. What is becoming clear is that the Internet, or more specifically social media, is now a mean in which politicians can communicate with their electorate. At the same time it is a means in which electorates can engage with politicians. The political landscape is now scattered and fractured; and it is becoming difficult to discern what is politics and what is white noise. The article Party Change, Social Media, and the Rise of “Citizen-Initiated” Campaigning Rachel Gibson dissects the recent trends in the way that the internet and social media have changed the populist political landscape. What she focuses most on is Citizen Initiated Campaigning or CIC. This is grass roots campaigning that occurs in the digital sphere but eventually blends into actual organizations and voter turn outs for specific events and elections. Through her article Gibson examines how citizens engage with politicians they are passionate about and how they use social media to relay that politicians message to people they know through the internet...
Words: 1023 - Pages: 5
... Media Influences on American Culture 6 – 10 p.m. Tuesdays Course Start Date: 06/14/2011 Course End Date: 07/12/2011 University of Phoenix South Florida Campus Miami Learning Center 11410 NW 20th Street, Miami, FL 33172 Whenever there is a question about what assignments are due, please remember this syllabus is considered the ruling document. Copyright Copyright © 2011, 2009 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved. University of Phoenix® is a registered trademark of Apollo Group, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Microsoft®, Windows®, and Windows NT® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other company and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Use of these marks is not intended to imply endorsement, sponsorship, or affiliation. Edited in accordance with University of Phoenix® editorial standards and practices. Course Description The course provides an introduction to the most prominent forms of media that influence and impact social, business, political, and popular culture in contemporary America. It explores the unique aspects of each medium as well as interactions across various media that combine...
Words: 3584 - Pages: 15
...The media is the biggest source of political information that the general public is exposed to on a daily bases. Thus creating relationship that influences the political and voting behavior of the public. The studies done on the relationship of the media and voting (Hayes, 2009; Hopmann, Renes, Clases, & Albaek, 2010; Donatella, Pasquino, Vaccari, 2008) demonstrated that the strongest media impact was upon the politically unknowledgeable and the undecided voting public. However, a few more studies (Matthijs & DeVreese, 2008; Freedman & Goldstein, 1999; Hayes, 2009; Pinkleton, Austin, & Fortman, 1998; Tworzecki & Semetko, 2009) have been conducted looking at the impacts of negative campaign or political message content on the public’s voting...
Words: 1314 - Pages: 6
...One standard academic argument is that the media’s influence operates in terms of framing issues and setting the agenda for political discussion. In other words, the media tells us what to think about but not what to think. People form opinions from the information that is available. If that information is limited in some way, those opinions will be affected. Generally, the media have greater influence on undecided voters than on decided ones. They also have a greater influence at times of scandal or crisis, or when there is a highly polarized question driving an election. An example of that is the free trade federal election of 1988. It seems that when voters are undecided and when they are operating from an information deficit they seek out the media. Therefore, when a high proportion of the electorate is undecided, the media play a greater role. The media exerts influence during elections in many ways. The very basics of today’s campaigns are centered on getting media attention. It is exploitation at its best. Candidates, parties, and interest groups exploit the media to get their opinions across and the media exploits these same groups to make money and have something to report on. Framing is a major component of influencing the public. While the media is not telling us what to think it can in fact give subtle clues to suggest how to think about certain issues. For instance, when someone uses the expression “tax reform”, it assumes that taxation is a problem that needs to...
Words: 1787 - Pages: 8
