government and the mass media. the uneasy relationship 1.political cartoons and editorials. it was...

Government and the Mass Media

The Uneasy Relationship

1. Political cartoons and editorials.• It was political not personal.1. Respect for the office despite scandals.• FDR - polio, wheel chair, fireside chats.• JFK – the last to enjoy this privilege.

The Uneasy relationship

3. TV changes everything• 1960-telivised debate with JFK & Nixon.• LBJ-the Living room war and Civil unrest. (images)

• Nixon-Pentagon Papers & Watergate.• SNL-Gerald Ford to Sarah Palin.• Jimmy Cater-Iran hostage daily reminder.• Ronald Reagan-movie star, teflon, Iran contra


• Bush #41 – Iran Contra, Savings & loan.• Clinton – Whitewater & Monica Lewinski.• Bush #43 – Iraq & WMD, Abu Ghraib• Obama – Rev. Wright, citizenship, Bill Ayers• Political careers & legislation


4. Presidential elections and Mass Media• Telegenic – celebrities, Jesse, Arnold, Al F.• Political ads-Daisy Girl, Willie Horton, HHH• Debates-1960, Reagan the Master• Conventions-Chicago 1968, today boring.• Money-campaign finance

laws-McCain/Feingold.


5. Congress and the Media• Not as big a factor-too many, slow,

boring.• The focus is on Congressional

Leadership. (Name them)

• C-SPAN


6. The Court and the Media• Remoteness of Justices• Complexity of issues• The controversial nominating process of Bork

& Thomas.• What cases are the Court expected to make

rulings on?

Protecting & Regulating the Media

1. The 1st Amendment2. Shield Laws3. FOIA-freedom of information act4. Regulating – FCC• Print vs. Broadcast• Fairness Doctrine (1949-87)• Ownership-no monopolies

Telecommunications Act


• Obscenity Laws- 5 related cases review5. The internet• Pros & Cons of filters• Poverty vs. Privilege• accuracy


6. E-Government• Auto emails and Robo calls• Blogs/Twitter/websites – Obama in 08• List serves• Voting on line? Pros & Cons• E-Commerce and taxation-Illinois 3/11• Contacting officials –web sites

Liberals & Conservatives and the Public Agenda

1. The Left-Pelosi, Reid, Hollywood, Obama2. The Right-Rush, Hannity, Ginrich, Romney3. 3rd parties-Tea Party, Green Party, Libertarian,

Nadar 4. Non-Partisan – moderates or the “middle”

Where, how, and from Whom do we got our information?

1. Liberal Bias of mainstream media?-Dan Rather, NPR, major networks.

2. Role of cable – competition, FOX3. Newspapers, radio, magazines, internet,

think-tanks, etc.4. Alternatives -

Government & Mass Media

What are some of the more recent events that the media is reporting on and why? What angle or side do they lean? Is there bias?

1. Rep. Peter king held the House Homeland Security Committee Hearings. (Red scare / Jap. Internment)

2. Government budget battle causing a “shut down” of the government.

3. Donald Trump hints at running for President.

government and the mass media. the uneasy relationship 1.political cartoons and editorials. it was...

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