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Government and the News

Wilson 12C. Government and the News. Maxims of Media Relations. The more important the secret the sooner it becomes known. All stories about me are inaccurate, all stories about you are accurate. The rosier the news the higher ranking official who announces it.

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Government and the News

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  1. Wilson 12C Government and the News

  2. Maxims of Media Relations • The more important the secret the sooner it becomes known. • All stories about me are inaccurate, all stories about you are accurate. • The rosier the news the higher ranking official who announces it. • Always release bad news on Saturday night. • Never argue with someone who buys ink by the barrel. • If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog.

  3. Coverage of the President • West Wing • TR • Press Secretary • Large staffs • Press Corps • Unique in the US • Conferences • Releases • Photo-ops • Weekly address • TV • Website President most public figure, most coverage

  4. Coverage of Congress • Members resent time devoted to president • Senators and leadership more time • C-SPAN • 1979 in House • 1986 in Senate • Committee hearings • Biden • Judiciary • Foreign Relations

  5. Competition • Adversarial relationship • Distrust and suspicion • Vietnam • Watergate • Iran-Contra • WMD • Journalism awards • Cynicism • Upset public • Rumor mill • Among branches • Power decentralized • Use media as weapon • Free press • Opportunity • Technology • 24 hour news • More outlets • Sensationalism • Spin

  6. Government Constraints • Informal • Balance • Too critical, lose source • Keep source, become mouthpiece • More staffers • Public relations • Canned news • Background • Call on reporters On the record – quote by name Off the record – cannot be used On background – use information but not source On deep background – no anonymous sources

  7. Essay Question Discuss the nature of leaks. What could or should be done about the situation?

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