2006-09-06 16:04:17 · 9 answers · asked by trey45 2 in News & Events ➔ Media & Journalism
If you approach any report, printed or televised, with an open mind and a bit of common sense any motivation other than reporting the truth should become obvious. With the advent of the internet there are so many different media outlets out there that it isn't difficult to find an opposing point of view to whatever topic you're interested in. It just takes a little bit of work.
That being said, there are legitimate things to worry about. However terrorism, bird flu, and war in foreign countries don't top my list. I'm more concerned about budget shortfalls on local government levels, crime rates in my area, and local elections. Those are things that impact my life directly and immediately. I'm more afraid that stupid people will be elected into office than I am about being blown up.
So can the media use fear as a tool to influense your opinions and decisions? Sure. But only if you're stupid enough to let it.
Don't believe everything you see. Journalists are people too and they do the best they can with the resources they are given (which I can tell you from personal experience aren't always adequate) to produce the most accurate product possible.
If you see a journalist printing or televising something you know to be false or you have a feeling that a story isn't showing all sides of an issue, it's your responsibility as an informed and educated consumer to confront that media outlet. Send them an e-mail, give them a call, do something.
There are media watchdog groups out there that do nothing but try to regulate the industry, and when they see abuses they call their members to action.
Check out http://www.fair.org/index.php to learn more.
2006-09-06 21:07:57 · answer #1 · answered by roninfett 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No the government uses the media in projecting fear upon its citizens.
2006-09-06 16:06:29 · answer #2 · answered by Nefarious Eyes 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No.
It's the little children who loves ghost stories that scares the hell and living daylights out of them on planet earth.
How ghost stories in movies and cds became the best seller on planet earth.
With the Mummy all risen from the graves chasing them later ask the dirty old men to solve the problems for them on planet earth.
2006-09-06 21:07:39 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
ok time for some cold hard truth here... you asked so here ya go... first any media will use fear to promote is stroy ... its a great motivator.. second and this i learned through research... did you know that 95% of all media outlets are owned and operated by republicans?? so is it any wonder you are fearful of what those demoncrats might do if you vote for them?? just turn into the oreily factor and see for yourself the so called fair and balanced program on fox news.. other stations may be more subtile but the same is still true.. they promote their agenda and to the point of your question.. yes if fear will promote their agenda they will definately employ it..
2006-09-06 16:14:34 · answer #4 · answered by JesusISdMaster 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It depends which "media" you spend time listening to.
For example, Fox News, which is really the public relations department for the Republican Party, spends most of their air time creating and selling high drama and then offering the "perfect solution" to the "problem"- a candidate that they support. Gee whiz.
Too bad for Fox that there are people in America who are not so stupid as to believe their "reporting" as anything more than the propaganda they are fed from the Whtie House and Rupert Murdochs rear end.
2006-09-06 16:09:16 · answer #5 · answered by Mimi Di 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Fear? maybe, but I also think it's a case of selecting which facts that they present to us. I don't feel anymore that I am truly getting both sides of any important topic.
Thinking about it, I think they use despair a little more that fear.
2006-09-06 17:53:59 · answer #6 · answered by dam 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
BINGO! Now you're gettin' it!
I've also noticed in the last few years that they have stopped reporting both sides of the story. Now they just over-report the side they want you to agree with most.
If we don't ban together soon, they'll be pushing for the New World Order and we'll all have tracking microchips implanted under our skin!!!
2006-09-06 16:09:57 · answer #7 · answered by melbel 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Blood sells. Absolutely. They try, anyway.
2006-09-06 16:06:38 · answer #8 · answered by Mommymonster 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course! And if you're not informed, you'll fall for it. It's what they count on to further their agenda.
2006-09-06 16:14:13 · answer #9 · answered by Taffi 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋