The definition of Mass MediaCommunication channel that is mediated between two thingsMedium:Mass: a large group of peoplePrincipals of JournalismObjectivityHolding power accountableFairnessBalanceAccuracyIndependencyVerificationRelevanceHybrid model of citizenshipWe have democratic rightsElections for representativesFree PressFreedom of AssemblyOther libertiesRestrictionsAge, gender, race, land ownership, senatorsWhy Attack Journalism?Hostile Media AffectPolitical Strategy (ref)Recognition of media powerNew competitionPress’ response to AttacksThe press now have a great desire to appear neutral to people (Kovach and Rosenstiel)He said/ she said reportingTwo Senses of ObjectivityFatalism – comprised of our own interests and prejudicesRecover a useful sense of objectivityobjectivity of method and journalists applying the scientific methodsKovach and Rosenstiel: an objectivity of methodDifferent Types of JournalismOp-Ed’s (opinions)Straight NewsNews analysisLetters to the editorBlogsEditorialsFeaturesKey roles in JournalismReportersPublisherEditorsBusiness StaffOmbudsmanOpinion WriterEditorial BoardHow newspapers and press were supported by the governmentPostal Subsidies – Postal Service ActConstitutional protectionRoles of the Press in American IndependenceKey PublicationsThomas Paine – Common SenseThe press connected the coloniesDeveloped a sense of solidarity and nationhood and value of press independent from governmentJohn Milton Areopagitica arguments for freedom of speechPeople can researchMore communication enables them to reason betterParliament should stay outNo Prior RestraintWhat does that press do?Informs citizensSort truth from falseEnable aggregation and filtering of interestsInform representativesDifferences between Subjects and CitizensCitizens – need to be informedSubjects – no inputWhat was important about the progressive eraIn response to patronage and the gilded ageThrough scientific method and investigation people believe you could be trained to be objectiveJournalism schools developedDescribe printing as a business in the 1700’sThey did everything (reporters and printers)Printers worked for the governmentPamphlets, private journals, letters and mercantile info.Definition of Mass MediaFirst Communication that is mediated and reaches a mass audienceMedium: a channel or passage connecting two thingsMass: mass audienceThe “problem” of DemocracyMost were not experts back thenUnlike the founders, they work and don’t have time to read and don’t devote time to itDifferences between “subjects” and “citizens”Subjects: little input, loyal, no need for opinion, know who’s in charge, don’t need infoCitizen: some input, independent thinking, need for info. need for opinionCitizens TasksCompetency in what is happening in the communityAct when necessaryBe informedThe Hybrid Model of Citizenship in American democracyDemocratic CharacteristicsElections, free press, assembly, religion, speechRestrictionsGender, age, race, property ownership, electoral college, senatorsSolutionsEducation and he pressFour Fundamental Functions an information system must provide in a democracyInform citizens (policies, power, and ideology)Sort truth from falsehood (misleading information, freedom of press allows them to do this)Aggregation and filtering of interests (diverse interests, public sphere (is made possible by the press))Inform Representation (informing the representative democracy through constituent contacts, polls and the press)Why the printing press was revolutionary for the distribution of information, and how it was used by Martin LutherMakes many copies at onceMartin Luther spread his 95 theses throughout GermanyBible was translated into GermanPeople didn’t have to listen to the preacher anymore to get the informationAeropagitica and its key arguments1. Individuals have reason/capacity to be rational2. The more material people have the better they will be at reasoning3. Parliament should not be able to regulate what people are printing4. Prior restraint should not be allowedLead to the British Bill of Rights which allowed Freedom of the Press and limited government controlPrinting as a business in the 1700sNo Reporters – printers did it allMany were government printers“Private journals” printers and “coffeehouse culture” in the 1700sPrivate Journals: like a blog for the eliteCoffeehouse Culture: Social Institution (discuss opinions)Conversation and media come together and some information might be printedThe role of the press in American independenceBrought the colonies togetherCommon Sense by Thomas PaineDeveloped a sense of nationhood/ sense of a press independent of governmentHow Newspapers and the press were supported by the government after independenceFreedom of Press in the constitutionPostal SubsidiesEducation and LiteracyThe partisan press: relationship between newspapers and parties; the role of both in political participationParties and press evolved together which spread info. that allowed people to form ideas and could convince them of ideasNewspapers as party toolsThe Progressive era in the United States, its concerns, emphases and consequences for journalismWidespread social and political reforms in response to the gilded age and corruptionScientific Rationality – can reach objective truthEstablishment of journalism schoolsRoles of Key Individuals in News OrganizationsThe Publisher – controls the paper (CEO)Business Staff – works with advertisersEditor – story editing/ selection and editorial writingReporters – interviewing sources/ “shoe-leather” reportingOmbudsman – mediates between the institution and public/ represents the publicEditorial Board – write the editorialsOpinion writer/ columnist – writes essays expressing their opinion for debateWall of separation between editorial and advertising functionsNewsStory selectionCoveragePaper compositionBusinessAdvertisementsSubscriptionsClassifiedsSo business doesn’t taint the newsMajor Forms of News“Straight” NewsNews AnalysisEditorialsOp-eds and opinion columnsLetter to the editorFeature sections“The Blogs”Bylines and datelinesBylines where authors name goesDatelines where reporter is/story is filed“Shoe-Leather” reportingreporters go to the location to get the storyTwo Senses of ObjectivityFatalism: we are fatally compromised by our own interests and prejudicesObjectivity of methodThe principle of balance, false
View Full Document
Unlocking...