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Chapter 8. Section 3. Role of Mass Media. Four major mass media: television, newspapers, radio, magazines. Other media are books, films, and the internet. The media present people with political information. People acquire most of the stuff they know about government from the media.
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Chapter 8 Section 3
Role of Mass Media • Four major mass media: television, newspapers, radio, magazines. • Other media are books, films, and the internet. • The media present people with political information. • People acquire most of the stuff they know about government from the media.
Television • The first example was Roosevelt’s opening of the 1939 World’s Fair. • Television replaced newspapers around 1960 as the most popular medium. • The biggest networks are CBS, ABC, and NBC. • More and more stations dealing with politics are sprouting up. (CNN)
Newspapers • The Constitution showed the importance of newspapers in the First Amendment. • Newspapers seem to cover political stories in more depth. • More popular ones are New York Times, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune. • Most newspapers are local papers.
Radio • Began in 1920 and became a big part of American lives. • FDR’s fireside chats was the first times politics really used the medium. • All news stations are becoming more popular. • Satellite radio is become more popular. (Sirius, XM)
Magazines • In early years magazines were of opinions. • Today they provide insight and opinions on politics. • The big ones are Time, Newsweek, and US News.
The Public Agenda • The media plays an important role in determining which problems we hear about. • These problems are typically the ones the government tries to fix. • Some news organizations have a lot of influence on political leaders.
Electoral Politics • Television allows candidates to reach the voters. • Candidates must also put forth a good image while using the mass media. • Campaign managers use the media to help create an image.
Limits on Media Influence • Only a small part of society is informed on the issues. • Most people are selective about what they watch or read. • Most public affairs programs don’t air during prime time.