How the News Media Cover Politics?
Variety of Media Outlets’ Coverage:
1. TV Media: Television media has historically significantly shaped public opinion and political discourse. Widely watched cable news networks like CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, and others frequently present the news from a particular viewpoint or perspective. Sensationalism and conflict are frequently prioritized by these networks, occasionally concentrating on entertainment rather than unbiased reporting.
2. Print Media: Unlike TV media, print media, such as newspapers and magazines, typically offers more in-depth analysis and investigative reporting. However, due to a decline in print readership in recent years, many newspapers have shifted their attention to online distribution channels to reach a larger audience.
3. Online Media: The influence of online media, such as news websites, social media platforms, and digital news channels, on politics has grown. They provide real-time updates and interactive participation, but because of the competitive nature of the internet, this environment is also vulnerable to the dissemination of false information and sensationalism.
News Organizations Missing from the White House:
Various administrations might have diverse connections to particular news organizations. Presidents frequently prefer to interact with media organizations that support their viewpoints while avoiding others who could disagree. This can result in the public being exposed to a narrow range of viewpoints. Access to the White House and formal briefings may be more difficult for news organizations that are critical of the administration.
Media Outlets the President Can Use:
1. Online Media: The President can connect with the general public without using traditional media intermediaries by using online media, such as social media platforms (such as Twitter and Facebook). This strategy, meanwhile, carries some danger because online communication enjoys a different level of editorial control than traditional media.
2. TV Media: The President can address a large audience and lay out their policies during appearances on TV media, such as press conferences or interviews. TV appearances, however, are frequently confined by time constraints and can occasionally produce merely surface coverage.
3. Print Media: Using interviews or op-eds in print media allows for a deeper analysis of concepts and policies. Additionally, print media are more fact-focused and analytical.
The Press Secretary’s role is to:
The President and the administration’s official spokeswoman is the Press Secretary. They manage communications with the media, such as press conferences, statements, and briefings. The administration’s communication plan will determine whether the Press Secretary should manage media inquiries on executive briefs. While some Presidents rely more on their Press Secretary, others like to speak with people directly.
Examples:
The presidents’ interactions with the media have changed over the years. For instance, during crucial moments, President Franklin D. Roosevelt used his radio fireside talks to address the public directly. President Obama’s use of social media to connect with a younger audience contrasted with President Trump’s use of Twitter, which attracted tremendous attention and generated controversy.
In conclusion, the shifting landscape of TV, print, and online platforms impacts how the news media covers politics. The way each President interacts with the media differs, and the Press Secretary’s position is vital in facilitating this communication. The administration’s objectives, the President’s communication style, and the current media landscape all influence the selected media channels.
QUESTION
Description
After Reading Ch.10 please evaluate and reflect on how the News Media cover politics today! Consider the role of the T.V. media/Print media and Online media in our Political System.
Questions to Consider for your Research:
- Which news outlets are missing from the White House?
- Should the American President utilize Online media/T.V. media/Broadcast or Print Media? How often?
- Should the Press Secretary handle the Media on Executive briefs? (feel free to use current examples from this administration or from previous even since Roosevelt administration.)