In this chapter we saw the development of the role played by the media in our government and society. First, we read about the development of the media from a partisan press through the muckraker period, and finally the emergence of the modern media we know today. Second, the chapter revealed to us both the structure of the media in its various forms as well as trends regarding the decline of the old media of newspapers and newsmagazines. Additionally, it portrayed the emergence of the broadcast media with radio and TV as well as later the wireless new media of the internet, satellite and cable TV/radio, e-mail, blogging, DVR’s and other sources.
Issues regarding the media, including the privatization, conglomeration, and de-regulation of the American media were extensively reviewed. The negative impacts of the media relative to political campaigns, both regarding the cost of campaign advertising and the horse-race style coverage which emphasizes style over substance as well as a view of general negativity towards politics, provided a strong critique of the media. However, its role as an educator, agenda-setter, issue-framer, and persuasion-maker gives some credence to a more positive evaluation of the media within this country. Finally, the issue of bias within the media seems to not be resolved. Except that there is clear indication that since the government is the main source for its own coverage and this fact combined with journalistic norms of objectivity has led to a status quo oriented style of political coverage. |
