Does politics manipulate the media?

Question

I'm doing an essay using the question above.

I'm having trouble finding sources related to the history of television, examples of corruption in media television....etc

any help would be great!!!!!!

ty!

Answer 1

Manipulation is such a dirty word (accurate, but dirty).

Television (at least in the U.S.) is required to present a certain amount of news/public service announcements in exchange for the basically free slice of electromagnetic frequency that the fcc grants them a monopoly over. That gives them time that needs to be filled. They like to fill that time with information and supporting visuals.

Politicians have ideas that they are trying to push and elections to win. They need as much free air time as they can get.

The result -- a match made in hell. Politicians have what the media want -- stories with ready built conflict, heroes, and bad guys. The media has what politicians want -- access to voters.

Basic campaign training 101 is how to structure your press releases in a way that 1) gets media attention and 2) is likely to make it to the air mostly intact.

Its not necessarily (or mostly) corruption. its more that good politicians (and political advisers) learn how to give the media what it needs in ways that benefit the politician.

As far as examples, turn on your daily network news or cnn. You have leaks of major policy announcements prior to the official event, you have politicians making appearances on sunday morning talk shows, you have press conferences by the president, by cabinet members, by key members of congress. All of these activities are about making sure that your version of political events gets its 30 seconds of coverage by the news media.

Answer 2

I think that the biggest determinate factor here is there is SO much competition for ratings that the media will glom onto ANY story and blow it way out of proportion. This is why I refuse to watch local news. It's just a joke.

You are better served watching independent sources. Frontline and Independent Lens are both award winning and balanced programs. They also supply loads of sources that are directly involved with the subject at hand. Anyone who denounces these programs have clearly never seen them. Sundance just tonight ran an excellent documentary on Peru and its struggles with corruption and violence.

Look for independent filmmakers with well rounded sources and you will get the best information.

Answer 3

Definitely look into Ed Murrow and Joseph McCarthy.

Even if not for this essay, but for a perspective on
major history of the intersections of politics and
media.

It'll help hugely for you because of how both
systems continue to permeate all of our lives.

Answer 4

I think the media influences how we feel about politics. For example, I'm not 100% sure, but I think it was Fox News that reported the results of the 2000 election about 5 hours before it really could be determined...

EDIT: Hey, I didn't say anything that wasn't true, you don't need to give me a "thumbs down" for it.

Answer 5

I`m so happy that there are others who can see this risky habit. the clicking is certain freedom yet they are abusing that freedom by potential of giving in basic terms biased and distorted ``information``. The worst area approximately this is that there seems to be not something we can do approximately it, different than to boycott the offenders.

Answer 6

The so call free press is a business that exists to make money. So all way follow the money. An their is the truth good or bad.

Answer 7

The media is liberally biased, everyone knows that. Just turn on any news channel or open the newspaper.

Answer 8

Just turn on the TV to any news channel.

Answer 9

everybody manipulates everybody