Roles of Media
Throughout the years, media has constantly been changing and evolving. During the 20th century, different television networks thought that providing news, was a public service to their audiences. The news was not expected to help the national broadcasters and support them in making money. At the same time market segmentation began to increase. Advertisers were able to target their products and advertise more specifically by analyzing larger amounts of demographic data. Everything eventually changed to target marketing. This led to cable TV coming along and targeting limited and niche viewers. The importance for news networks changed, as the ad money moved away from big companies.
Major changes were brought because cable television’s new 24-hour news cycle. For the newsrooms, this meant there were not long periods of time to prepare content, revise it, and present it to viewers. Instead, reporters were stressed to go straight to air with any news and current events that they were given. Of course, all of this resulted in unfinished and rushed reports, and false, confusing, and misinforming material. Business for newspapers began to die because people were no longer interested in subscribing. People tried moving newspapers online, but they found out soon that print advertising for the most part did not follow them on the internet. As the newspaper business was falling, there were no longer the same number of editors and reporters doing serious journalism. There has been a decrease in actual news and surge of commentary, view, and of course click-bait. (How News Has Changed)
Media and Politics
When it comes to politics, candidates often use the media to promote themselves and their message. However, when the news doesn’t put politicians in a positive light they are quick to turn and blame the media. Politicians use the media to their advantage, especially by getting the exposure they to reach voters which in the end can help them win elections. There are many different ways politicians use the media to benefit themselves. For example, staged political rallies are a way to show the voters support and enthusiasm for a candidate. Another way that a candidate will surely get news exposure is by inviting reporters to a news conference to hear an “important announcement.” Also reaching out to reporters for a chance to have one on one exclusive interview is always persuasive, and to guarantee media coverage, tend to happen soon before the election day. Of course, a candidate with enough money will use it for advertisements in print and on TV. Just like when companies have ads for certain products they aren’t being completely transparent about the campaign and the candidate.
Candidates also make themselves available to appear as guests on different TV shows. The settings of TV shows give the politicians and candidates a chance and allows them to appear, be interviewed and not be asked harassing questions. For lesser known candidates, going on TV shows are great publicity and it gives them a chance to talk about their family and the plans they have for the world. A host of a talk show is most likely to ask less incriminating questions, which let the candidates seem more human and calm. It’s no shock when a magazine has a story about a candidate and his family when it’s nearing election day. This can do more for a campaign then the politicians stance on politics. It helps the readers feel they know the candidate and their family and that acquaintance helps when it comes to voting time. (Halbrooks)
I think we all live in an information bubble to some degree; however, some people don’t realize that they are which can cause problems. Obviously, everyone is going to have beliefs on certain things and you are most likely going to surround yourself with people who have similar beliefs as you, like family, friends, and people at work. The book states, “If you lived in one world, you would not even recognize the other. Your media viewing habits, your connections with family and friends, and the news you would forward to each other would create the impression that all right- thinking people saw the world the way you did.” (Barbour and Wright 434-435)
The attack on the media has become relatively new since Donald Trump has become president. However, I believe that the media has been causing a lot of problems and bothering people for a long time, President Trump is just the only one who has the guts to stand up against the media. Like it was stated earlier the media can distort facts and be bias and that absolutely has an effect on politics. The media has the power to publicize things about candidates, which can be good and bad for their campaign. Trump has become very vocal on Twitter during his term. It is not very presidential and I believe it has changed the way citizens and politicians exchange information. I definitely believe that there is “fake new” and it has grown rapid especially in the political world. The media is very bias which means whatever side they lean towards that’s what they are going to promote while at the same time belittle the opposing side. (Trump and Media)
As I am able to vote now I think it is important to see both sides and take some information with a grain of salt especially when it comes to political drama. There is definitely fake news on both sides and you need to be able to spot fake news when we are voting. When you are hearing stories on the news don’t be gullible and believe all that’s being said. That being said when you are watching the news check the sources for that story and see if that news station is even creditable. Also, compare new information to other news networks, branch don’t just stick to one resource this way you can see if the stories line up with one another. I think when you vote you need to stick with your beliefs, trust your gut, and try not to be influenced by bias media.
