The Media, Framing, & Strategy

1. The Media, Framing, & Strategy April 16, 2013 By: Diana Geisinger & Addison Vang

2. Overview • Summary of key ideas from the literature • Integrating the topic of gun control in U.S. policymaking • Analysis of ideas to address the following question: • Which plays a larger role in policymaking in the United States – interest groups or the media? • Concluding argument • Discussion questions

3. Key Ideas from Literature • Gamson & Ryan: • “The Art of Reframing Political Debates” Framing through movement-building efforts Focuses on building and sustaining carriers of frames Accomplished through networks, funding, infrastructure, etc. • Participatory Communication Model • Citizens as collective actors—groups of people who interact, who are capable of building long-term relationships with journalists and of carrying out collaborative, sustained reframing efforts that may involve intense conflict

4. Key Ideas from Literature • Dreier & Martin: • “How ACORN Was Framed: Political controversy and media agenda setting” Framing through the “agenda-setting effect” Media control over news coverage (e.g. what to think about) and attaching meaning to content (e.g. how to think about it) Opinion Entrepreneurs Typically non-elite individuals, businesses, and quasi-political organizations who work outside traditional means (e.g. blogs, webpages, etc.) of those who influence the news and public agenda Strength in numbers and collaboration • Media Accountability • Can reliability of fact checking affect the national mood and/or public opinion?

5. Gun Control in the U.S.Newton Tragedy as Case Study The convergence of multiple media sources created by the Newton Tragedy provided a window of opportunity for major gun control legislation. • Media framing of Newton tragedy • Interest groups impact on media and the gun control law

6. Gun Control in the U.S.Newton Tragedy as Case Study Media • Multiple sources converging on single story • High visibility of event • Framing • “No parent should have to bury children so young.” • Images of event • Agenda Setting • Focus event lead to newgun control legislation http://thinkingrightblog.com/westboro-baptist-church-proposed-newtown-protest-tests-my-first-amendment-beliefs/#.UWxjfFJ1FOU

7. Gun Control in the U.S.Newton Tragedy as Case Study Media Accountability • Lack of fact checking • Reported Ryan Lanza as killer, later confirmed killer was younger brother Adam Lanza. • Media don’t always disclose party affiliations.

8. Gun Control in the U.S. Interest groups: Pro-gun control • President Obama • Proposed bill: background checks, ban semi-automatic rifles and handguns, limited magazine capacity, and expand youth mental health programs • Victim families • Coalition to Stop Gun Violence

9. Gun Control in the U.S. Interest groups: Anti-gun control • NRA – largest and most influential interest group • Second Amendment • “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms” • Family/Support structure creates safe environments • “intact families tend to report lower levels of community violence, and … married households tend to experience lower rates of homicide”3 • “Strong religious belief and involvement can likewise shape the emotions and actions of individuals”3 • Parties gun ownership: Republicans 57%; Democrats 33% • Removal of ban on semi-automatic guns and high capacity magazine from proposed gun control bill. http://www.gallup.com/poll/20098/gun-ownership-use-america.aspx

10. AnalysisWhich plays a larger role in policymaking in the United States – interest groups or the media? Interest groups Media Advantages: Ability to frame arguments that reach public masses; can expose hidden participants (e.g. funders, etc.) Disadvantages: Highly susceptible to fact-checking credibility of claims • Advantages: May have devotion of government officials due to financial contributions; involvement of elites & professional networks; coalitions among groups of participants • Disadvantages: Cannot frame arguments in seemingly objective ways nor reach masses of the same magnitude as media networks

11. ConclusionWhich plays a larger role in policymaking in the United States – interest groups or the media? The greatest influence in policy making is a combination of both sources. There is an interplay between the two: • Media need stories, especially controversial topics. • Interest groups can use media to persuade or rally the masses. • Interest groups have more influence in policymaking from being active in the government, greater financial contributions, and networks available to them.

12. DiscussionWhich plays a larger role in policymaking in the United States – interest groups or the media? • How would you address this question? Do you agree or disagree with the preceding analysis? Why? • Can you think of other advantages/disadvantages of each type of influence in policymaking? What are some examples of policies currently being impacted by media framing? • Are there any examples of an instance in which one influence (media v. interest groups) clearly outweighed the other in the political arena?

13. References • Gamson, W.A. & Ryan, C. (2006). “The Art of Reframing Political Debates.” American Sociological Association, 5(1), pp. 13-18. • Dreier, P. & Martin, C.R. (2010). “How ACORN Was Framed: Political controversy and media agenda setting.” Perspectives On Politics, 8(3), pp. 761-792. • "The Newtown Tragedy: Complex Causes Require Thoughtful ..." 2013. 16 Apr. 2013 http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2013/01/the-newtown-tragedy-complex-causes-require-thoughtful-analysis-and-responses • "After Newtown, Modest Change in Opinion about Gun Control | Pew ..." 2012. 15 Apr. 2013 http://www.people-press.org/2012/12/20/after-newtown-modest-change-in-opinion-about-gun-control/ • "FactCheck.org | A Project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center." 2003. 15 Apr. 2013 http://www.factcheck.org/ • "Westboro Baptist Church Proposed Newtown Protest Tests My First ..." 15 Apr. 2013 http://thinkingrightblog.com/westboro-baptist-church-proposed-newtown-protest-tests-my-first-amendment-beliefs/ • "How the NRA Undermined Congress' Last Push for Gun Control ..." 2013. 15 Apr. 2013 http://www.propublica.org/article/how-the-nra-gained-the-last-time-congress-strengthened-gun-laws • "Op-Ed: Newtown resident: Media is to blame for school tragedy ..." 2012. 15 Apr. 2013 http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/opinion/article/Op-Ed-Newtown-resident-Media-is-to-blame-for-4125147.php • "Media Bias in Coverage of Gun Control: The Press ... - Dave Kopel." 2002. 15 Apr. 2013 http://www.davekopel.com/Media/MediaBias.htm • "Gun Ownership and Use in America - Gallup." 2009. 15 Apr. 2013 http://www.gallup.com/poll/20098/gun-ownership-use-america.aspx • "Guns | Gallup Historical Trends." 2009. 15 Apr. 2013 http://www.gallup.com/poll/1645/guns.aspx