Blog 4: Availabilty of Public Media

Having public media is beneficial to a lot of people. In fact 170 million or so they say…

 

I think public media is necessary for a community to be properly informed for the simple fact that so many people use it. Also this question is a little tricky. What does it mean for a community to be properly informed?  Is public radio reaching a major amount of people? I believe it is . They have almost 3 million facebook followers. CNN and Fox News have close to that number as well. So people are listening and watching. Are they being properly informed is a different subject all together. This is a circular argument that will not get resolved. I think the question we need to ask here is is public media effective? And my answer is yes.

 

Blog 12: Overview of Communication 4473

The most interesting part of Comm 4473 was the study of late-night satire.  I found the subject to be of particular interest and relevance to the class and our age group as a whole.  Because of the tendency the young adults to rely on sources such as Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewarts’ satirical late night shows to obtain political information, it was interesting to learn of the implications that come with depending on these sources for politics.

Not only do these political shows allow young adults to gain political news in a new and more appealing way, they also challenge the traditions of popular TV and news outlets.  Additionally, we are challenged and encouraged to learn more about politics by taking in political information from these sources.  One piece of media that stood out to me over the course of the semester was that of Jon Stewart featured on the CNN show, Crossfire, where he challenged the hosts and their presentation of politics and news.

Having viewed this in a previous political science class, it was interesting to see it tied back to communication and analyzed through its purposes of questioning popular political news and media.

Not the most boring but perhaps an unnecessary aspect of the course was the focus on the presidential election of 1960.  While a very important part of the changes that have taken place in political communication history and one with a profound impact, it is a topic that was a little redundant to me.  This particular election and its debates have been poured over in previous and current communication and political science courses that I have taken.  While I understand its importance and relevance to the course, I feel that the reading of The Making of the President and subsequent presentations were too extensive coverage of the topic.

Overall, I feel that the past changes in political communication deserves recognition and complete understanding, but a less extensive overview of historical events could be minimized.  Lastly, a focus on issues that are up-and-coming and those that are exploding onto the political communication scene are the most interesting and relevant to the course.

Blog 12: End of Class Evaluation

I write this post with ironic timing.  Obama has just completed his speech about bin Laden’s death and the Twitterverse has exploded with speculation and excitement over the news.  Fox News even jumped the gun and posted misspelled information to be above the action.

Political Communication 4473 has really made stop and realize how I get my news and on a night like tonight, I appreciate that insight.  From receiving a text message to turn on CNN to immediately turning to Twitter as we awaited Obama’s speech, my world is full of new media interaction.  This class has helped me appreciate that I live in 2011 and not 1960.  I can choose which mediums I want to select for news (and have become a more active Daily Show viewer!). 

As with many of my classmates, I agree that the most interesting part of the class was the coverage of the 1960’s campaign of Nixon v. Kennedy and The Selling of the President in the 1968 election.  It was interesting to see how much television changed the political environment of the time.  I had always heard about these debates, but to see them (especially on YouTube) was eye-opening.  You really can see the difference between the two candidates – I appreciate that I know the history behind it and Nixon’s sickness and knee injuries.  I feel like I can have more informed discussions.  I am extremely interested in working on political campaigns someday and will keep my copy of The Selling of the President for a future career.

The least interesting part of the class would have to be reviewing the Graber book.  I really liked all the articles, but when it was the only thing we did in class, it seemed repetitive and boring.  I did appreciate when Professor Houston added YouTube clips, etc. to enhance the articles, but the days we left class early were boring.  It was great to have a break (amidst all the craziness of this semester), but I appreciated when we went deeper into discussion beyond the articles in the books.  Really, though, I have enjoyed this semester immensely.  When I tweet now, I try and tweet with more purpose and newsworthiness!  Thank you, Professor Houston!

Blog 8 : What is political News

Bimber says that everything is political information that includes fact or opinion. If that is the case then shows like the Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Colbert Report should be considered as television programs that broadcast political news and information. From previous blogs I’ve come to the conclusion that most people looked for their news to be given to them in a humorous way, and t think that that the producers and directors of these shows were geniuses to think of a way to broadcast political news in a way that people could understand and still find entertaining.

I must be honest and say that I have never really took the time to watch a full episode of either show, and the last time i watched Jon Stewart thoroughly he was playing a lawyer on Big Daddy. So I took this blog as a challenge to start watching it to get a full understanding of what the shows are all about.  I thought it was hilarious but still informative. A lot of the issues they’ve talked about are being talked about on the news. I love the way sarcasm is used and it’s an entertaining way to talk about important issues.

The show doesn’t seem very biased because, they make fun of all politics in general. It’s funny the way they clips and footage from news stations like FOX, ABC, MSNBC, CNN and just commenting off what everyone has said. It’s not as if they are making false stories, but just going off what is already out there. These shows can definitely promote political participation because they are informing a generation that is not very keen of watching the news to important issues that they should be aware of. These shows allow people to know what’s going on in their country and the world so when it’s time to vote or talk about issues they are informed. These shows can also urge viewers to be more au courant in their news forums and read more and learn more about issues the show talks about. This clip featured President Obama when he was running for the presidency. To have political candidates appear on your show gives it some credibility and clout.

This was a clip I literally rolled on the floor laughing at concerning the teachers union fiasco that is happening Wisconsin.

Blog 8: Colbert and Stewart – News by Association

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart: it’s even better than being informed. – Comedy Central Site

Let’s not misconstrue how the Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Colbert Report represent themselves.  Both comedians clearly state on their respective websites that they are satires, NOT like the “objective” news sources (i.e. CNN).  Both provide commentary to the daily news stories, but accept that they are not the sole, go-to source for news.  Viewers must come with some idea of politics and public affairs:

“If [kids] came to our show without knowledge, it wouldn’t make any sense to them” – Jon Stewart (C-Span Newhouse School Forum, 2004).

They don’t pretend to be objective news sources.  But this answers the main issue I have with political news; if we just accepted that it is natural to develop commentary in the quest to find truth, the news medium would be better off.  I think “official” political news sources would be better f they were more like Colbert and Stewart.  Research your stories . . . if it turns out that you insert opinion, at least it’s well informed.

In a world where viewers like simplicity and don’t have much time to analyze the news themselves, Colbert and Stewart offer them an easy analysis. We look to be entertained when we watch TV and both shows entertain and inform viewers without characterizing themselves as typical news.  You never hear people characterize them as too partisan because it’s okay for them to display their own beliefs — they acknowledge it.  I think this honesty is crucial to their success.  Viewers are willing to tune in because they know the commentary will be partisan.  It’s okay with them.  This is what news SHOULD be – honest about its partisan effects!

On the road to satire, American citizens are informed and Colbert and Stewart encourage that political participation.  Look at the “Rally to Restore Sanity” and “The March to Keep Fear Alive.”  Over 215,000 Americans attended the rally/march (compared to only 87,000 at Glenn Beck’s 2010 Rally).

The social networking buzz around the two comedians further engages American citizens; Stewart’s Facebook page has over 2 million fans and Colbert’s has over one million.  They actively engage fans daily.

Whether they like it or not, both shows are an extension of political news.  They cannot be the only source, but Colbert and Stewart engage citizens on important issues and on levels that they will understand.

Blog 7: People and Their News

Ever since the advent of news and media, people have been able to choose to get their political information and news in general wherever they wanted.  There are many outlets out there for people to choose from and each media outlet has their own spin on how the news is told and their viewpoints and opinions on these news stories and analysis are totally different.

I personally believe it is not a great thing that Democrats and Republicans get their news from separate places.  Each of these different news outlets provide in my opinion a biased opinion and/or spin on a news story.  I feel as though having only one side of an opinion isn’t always the best.  I think to be fully informed you should be able to get either a non biased opinion or both sides of the story. Not just one.

Democrats are known to habitually go to CNN or MSNBC to get their cable news or read newspapers like the Boston Globe or The New York Times.

On the contrary, Republicans tend to frequent news outlets like Fox News and listen to conservative analysts like Rush Limbaugh.  Most  major newspapers tend to be liberal but The Daily Oklahoman is special because it is one of the very few Conservative major newspapers.

I think having these separate views on separate channels and such while it is a terrible idea matters to society a lot.  I feel that this is a pertinent issue because if there were a non biased or neutral news outlet or news network like a CNN or Fox News format there would be better news because citizens would be able to be better informed and be able see both sides.   As of right now people only see the one side they want to see and nobody will ever agree on an issue because they only see the one side they want to see!

Blog 7: Partisan News

With the constant variety of news people have access to today, we have the option to choose where our news comes from and what views are advocated. Obviously, certain news sources have a reputation for leaning to the right, while others are known to lean left. This 2009 study from the Pew Research Center profiles the audiences of Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC based on their political views.

Graphs are great, aren't they?

Predictably, republicans have a tendency to follow right-leaning sources and democrats do the opposite. I don’t think that this is a terrible thing, because people of specific viewpoints can get information and analysis that is pertinent and relevant to them. Following partisan news can, however, prevent people from forming their own opinions, as the talking heads on television are feeding them certain ideas. The fact that Republicans and Democrats get their news from different sources adds to political animosity between the parties. I’m not saying that people aren’t capable of taking the information they hear on TV and simply using it to inform their own views, but I am saying that following partisan news can have an influence over the way someone thinks. If Democrats and Republicans get their news from different, partisan sources, the gap between their positions will be reinforced through the media, but if people of both parties got their information either from the same source or various sources, the facts will take precedence and discourse can ensue.Obviously, not everyone simply follows just Fox News or CNN, but certain people do.

Those evil conservatives...

...those angry liberals

 

And in a hypothetical world in which everyone followed news that advocated their own political views, the overall political discourse would, in my opinion, suffer.

Blog 7: Where Your News Comes From

As we all know certain people prefer watching specific things. Not only for their news but television in general. I know I would rather watch something light than something dramatic, and for others its the opposite. This is how most Americans feel about their news. Now a days there are some many biased outlets that Democrats and Republicans do not have to get their political news from the same source. A republican could tune into Fox News while a Democrat tunes into CNN. Is this a bad thing? I don’t think so. I know personally that I don’t particularly enjoy listening to people talk about things I do not agree with. However, I do think it is important to know that even though you agree with what you are hearing, to be aware that there is an opposing view. I think Americans should also be informed about what the opposing view is. It is so easy to discount an alternate view if you are hearing only the political information that you agree with. I like to use both CNN and Fox News to get my information. It is good to hear what different people think of different issues. If you go to the top stories on both CNN’s website and Fox News’ website you will find that they are for the most part the same with slight differences. One being that in Fox News’ top story you can find articles about how the president is not doing his job, but is filling out his NCAA Bracket.  On CNN you will not find any stories criticizing Obama and his political administration. No matter if you are Democratic or Republican it is important to be well informed about your the happenings in your country. Using multiple news sources is the best way to get this. Even the political satire shows like The Daily Show and The Colbert Report are good ways of getting political perspective. Also blogs and other online sites are good ways to obtain news. In conclusion I do not think it matters if Democrats and Republicans get their news from different places, as long as they know what is going on in our country.

BLOG 7: Que Sera Sera, What We’ll Want, We’ll Watch

Here are some commonly accepted truths: first, that the Earth is a sphere and spends much of its year rotating around the sun, second, that no matter what teams play, the best part of the Super Bowl always has and always will be the commercials, and third, that Democrats hate Fox News and Republicans hate MSNBC and I, frankly, hate both.

Fox News, bastion of conservatism and entertaining, if more-than-slightly off-the-rocker, TV personalities such as Glenn Beck, and MSNBC, anchor for liberalism and not-so-ironic paneled discussions that debate such vital issues as Obama’s decision in pets, are used as the stereotypical, unparalleled examples of Liberal and Conservative bias in the media. While the presence of that bias in-and-of-itself is a separate discussion, there’s no debate that Republicans, on the whole, turn to Fox News for information while Democrats, as a whole, turn to CNN, MSNBC, or NPR.

The question then is–does it actually matter?

Here’s the thing you’ll learn in any middle-to-upper level political science (or even psychology) course: people consume that media which reinforces their existing biases. That is to say, whether or not Fox News or MSNBC offer biased accounts of political coverage is hardly a concern. Whether or not the Republican and Democratic mainstays presented balanced coverage, viewers would still only really consume that information that reinforced what they already believed in.

In my opinion, this, subsequently, makes forced consumption of opposing sources less than effective. Here’s the deal. It’s pretty obvious what my political ideology is. I choose not to consume CNN or MSNBC because, frankly, both stations irritate the hell out of me. However, when comparing information from CNN to information from Fox, I will always be more inclined to believe CNN because Fox is my ideological opposite. Fox can report breaking news to me and I will be skeptical of it until I hear the same information reported from the New York Times or even Jon Stewart.

In that manner, it doesn’t really matter if Republicans get their news from one source and I get my news from another. In an ideal world, both Republicans and Democrats would get their political news from both left and right leaning sources. But in reality, and in my opinion, there’s little point in forcing a Republican to watch Democratic sources and a Democrat to watch Republican sources if neither the Republican nor the Democrat are going to believe the source or retain the information.

As there are fact-checkers, keeping those sources legitimate, as long as the possibility to explore the other side still exists, there’s really no harm and no foul in letting Republicans and Democrats gravitate to those sources that support their ideology. Hey, it makes political debates that much more entertaining, right?

Either way, my solution is to force everyone to watch the Stewart-Colbert line up. Of course, inevitably, someone will believe that Colbert’s bias isn’t blatantly obvious satire and that he actually believes the things that he says and I’ll have to laugh at them. It will be a desperate, sad sort of laugh. But you know. Small steps! xoxo!

Blog 7: Gathering your news from one place…are there consequences?

Is it an issue if Republicans get their political news from certain sources and the same for Democrats?  No there is no issue and it shouldn’t matter.  Any person that is part of a political party can turn on their television and go to a channel that is specifically catered to their party or the opposite party.  Examples: cut on the television and go to Fox News or MSNBC.  It is as simple as picking up your remote.

You want to go on the Internet and find political news? It is simple as clicking your browser and typing in CNN or going to Google and typing in conservative.

Why should it change? It is simple and not difficult whatsoever.  It is the PEOPLE that are lazy and don’t want to switch up their political news sources.  There is no need to form the two or it being wrong that there are two separate sides for political news.  There is nothing in our laws that says that you CAN’T go to both sides…Nothing AT ALL. So our system works it just people are apathetic or they are simply not wanting to go to see what the other side is saying.

Honestly people need to get over this gang warfare between the parties and attempt to see what the other side is saying to help themselves be more informed.

Democracy. Not dictatorship.  We have the ability to choose and see.  Let’s do it.