Media Assignment: Donald Trump and Fake News
"Fake News!" is a term that President Donald Trump has used repeatedly both during his presidency to refer to the mainstream media, including such institutions as CNN, MSNBC, the New York Times, and the Washington Post. He calls the press the "enemy of the people," and has acknowledged that this is because he wants people to believe him and not the press.
Write a one-page essay about this phenomenon of "Fake News." What impact does President Trump's allegation of fake news have on the news media? What impact does the press have on President Trump? I would like you to touch on some of the concepts we have discussed in class:
A. Media Gatekeepers and agenda-setting: traditional media such as newspapers and TV and cable news channels that affect what news and information reaches the public and what does not. What role do media gatekeepers (major TV networks and national newspapers) play in setting the agenda for the Donald Trump presidency? Be specific. How is Donald Trump's presidency affected by this gatekeeper? Provide examples. Refer to specific stories that have been covered during his presidency.
B. Convergence: How technology is affecting the way people consume media such as watching a TV show on an iPad rather than on N. What impact, if any, has convergence had on the Donald Trump presidency. Be specific.
C. The rise of social media such as Twitter, Facebook and independent blogs, apps and websites. How is this playing out in the Trump presidency? How might the rise of these Internet-based media cancel out or reduce the agenda-setting effect in media? Again, be specific.
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.