This lesson is designed to help us understand our dependency on the mass media. Consider for a moment how our lives would be without the media—without newspapers, radio, or television. We would be totally dependent on those with whom we come into personal contact for news and interpretations of political (and other) events. Let’s suppose that you are in contact with only one person during an entire “media-less” day; clearly that person’s fund of information would become exceptionally important to you, for you would be dependent on it for your news. Further suppose that your sole contact is biased by nature and, while telling you a great deal about political developments, this bias colors all of his or her reporting with a self-serving perspective. What would happen? Would we be able to make informed political decisions? Can democracy work without the information provided by the mass media?
The importance of the mass media in maintaining a well-informed citizenry is foundational in the security of a representative democracy. While debates may arise over how far the media can go before it has over-stepped its bounds (libel), a competitive free press promotes honesty and diversity in news reporting. Perhaps most importantly, a competitive free press offers a diversity of opinions and perspectives, which allows the voters to reason and choose from a number of possible solutions.
Assignment:
Essay Questions. Answer the following questions thoroughly. These questions must be submitted for grading. Take your time and completely answer each one. Remember: Do not copy your answers from the textbook. Each answer should be one to two pages long.
1. Discuss the symbiotic and adversarial relationships between the media and government (e.g., leaks, presidential press conferences, Watergate). Which relationship do you think provides more accurate reporting from the press? Why?
2. Compare and contrast the Presidents Reagan, Bush, and Clinton on their use of the media.
3. Explain political and commercial bias in the press. Provide an example of each. How do you think these biases can be rectified?