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How does this video clip portray former President Bush? How does what you see or hear on TV or the radio affect your beliefs about politics?. Mass Media and Public Opinion. “The hand that rules the press, the radio, the screen, and the far-spread magazine rules the country.”
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How does this video clip portray former President Bush? How does what you see or hear on TV or the radio affect your beliefs about politics?
“The hand that rules the press, the radio, the screen, and the far-spread magazine rules the country.” Judge Learned Hand (1942)
Public Opinion • Definition: • Those attitudes held by a significant number of people on matters of government and politics • Public opinion is complex • Because “the public” holds many different viewpoints on nearly every issue • This is because there are many different “publics” • Examples?
Factors that shape public opinion: • Family • Education • Peer groups • Opinion leaders • Historic events • Mass media
How do we measure public opinion? • Elections – Candidates who win often claim to have a MANDATE, a command to the public to carry out their campaign promises • Interest Groups – They make public opinion known through the work of lobbyists (via phone calls, letter writing, campaigning, etc.) • The Media – Sometimes stories in the news mirror public opinions, other times the media can mold it • The best way to measure public opinion is through Public Opinion Polls • Attempts to collect info by asking people questions • Examples: • www.gallup.com “Gallup Poll” or “Harris Survey” • http://www.zogby.com/SOUNDBITES/ReadClips.dbm/?ID=17317
Mass Media • Types: • Television • Newspapers • Radio • Magazines • Internet • Any more?
Influence of the Media • The media plays a significant role in politics! • Plays a large role in shaping the Public Agenda – the problems the citizens and government agree need attention • Has made candidates less dependent on their party since they can now reach voters themselves • Often when speaking, they deliver information in sharply focused segments that newscasts can air as sound bites – quick 30-45 second reports
Media to INFORM • The News Media • Know your sources • Today many have agendas • Examples -> • During the 2004 elections, a study of election coverage found that ABC, CBS, NBC was more favorable toward John Kerry; while Fox News was more favorable towards Bush • Limits of the News: • Not everyone pays attention or understands media reports • People often pay attention to sources and stories with which they agree
Satire in the Media • In 2009 a poll was taken as to the source of news for people aged 18 to 29 • 23% listed ABC, CBS, or NBC • 21% listed “The Daily Show” and “Saturday Night Live”
Media to PERSUADE • Political ads • http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/ • Watch for propaganda • Worksheet