Creating an informed electorate
Watch a half hour of news programming on each of the following: Fox News (national, NOT local), CNN, and MSNBC (90 minutes total). In two pages, write an essay that addresses each of the following questions. How do the topics and/or content of the stories vary? How do the advertisements during commercials vary? What does this suggest about their target audiences? If viewers regularly watch only one of these stations, what will they miss? What implications does this have for creating an informed electorate? Finally, spend a few paragraphs evaluating the importance the media played on recent elections.
Note: If you do not have access to these news stations for live tv, please spend 30 minutes each on their respective websites watching stories and clips and reading articles.
Sample Solution
The topics and content of news stories vary significantly between Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC. This was quite visible while watching a half hour of programming on each station. On Fox News, the majority of the stories were focused on Republican candidates and their successes in various initiatives or polls. Additionally, many of the stories discussed potential border wall funding issues between Republicans and Democrats in Congress.
The remainder of the stories focused on other important national issues such as police reform plans proposed by various presidential candidates. In contrast, CNN had more international-centric stories that covered recent events from around the world with particular focus on LGBTQ rights being suppressed in certain countries as well as nuclear arms treaties with Russia. There were few political discussions aside from what different members of government said about current domestic events. Furthermore, MSNBC touched upon both domestic (i.e., healthcare reform) and international (i.e., Brexit) issues but presented them through an explicitly liberal lens that was evident throughout all discussion points made by presenters/guests throughout programming time watched for this assessment exercise - sometimes even to the point where conservative opinions weren’t given much chance to be heard at all which is something that isn’t seen often enough with most mainstream news outlets today unfortunately .
Advertising during commercial breaks also showed clear variations amongst networks depending on their target audiences' interests which was notable when comparing commercials aired across Fox News compared to those seen during time spent watching both CNN & MSNBC's broadcasts respectively . While Fox News seemed to primarily focus advertising towards older male demographics–with many commercials showcasing products like car insurance & retirement plan options –CNN's selection leaned slightly younger than average with an emphasis moreso placed upon tech-related messages such as launching a new app or buying a specific cell phone model etcetera; there were also advertisements specifically aimed at women viewers too like feminine hygiene products though these seemed far less frequent overall then those found airing elsewhere within its broadcast schedule . Meanwhile over at MSNBC ads showcased more diverse subjects ranging from organ donation appeals to college loan debt relief assistance information et cetera so it could be interpreted this channel looks to cater towards individuals/groups who span wider age ranges than what other two stations appear perhaps aiming themselves towards plus they tended have slight progressive tinting dotted here there every now then whereas neither FOX nor CNN featured anything similar vis-à-vis overtly partisan messaging so overall it appears one may find varying degrees general interest related material no matter which outlet decides tune into if person wants check out what happening day day basis really
This suggests that these channels are targeting different audiences depending on their interests or ages rather than providing balanced coverage for everyone across entire spectrum society regardless political leanings—something which will cause viewers regularly watch only one station miss out plethora information available from others dependent upon individual(s)’ ideological standing if you will because not everyone has same outlook life after all . Moreover implications creating informed electorate become increasingly hazy since people turning single source information can become easily misled unwittingly due lack outside perspectives being provided make decisions own accord without ever considering counterarguments might exist second third parties possibly taking away opportunity truly consider everything hand before reaching conclusion whatever topic question may stem however part collective responsibility consumer actively seek varied sources ultimately up them decide how want obtain facts surrounding any given subject area especially when comes voting times politics involved since internet opened hundreds opportunities diversify media offerings nowadays enabling anyone access virtually anything looking truth either slant direction prefer take away value objectivity journalism industry used provide decades past sadly It should noted also while traditional newspaper sales falling steadily past several viewership ratings major cable news providers have actually been increasing recently suggesting increasingly large portion public consuming opinionated content instead unbiased reporting opposition research think tanks promoting certain agendas airwaves today thus swaying opinions wave sea voters left right accordingly
The importance media played recent elections cannot overstated fact journalists covering campaigns themselves play huge role determining outcome results based research uncovering come election night chock full dirty secrets shady deals hidden agendas otherwise unknown variables going public eye whether be reported heavily popularized via social platforms further amplifies message reach nearly every corner planet times tool utilized effectively still remains double edged sword weapon manipulation power hungry politicians make sure get elected office know ones arguably reached highest levels yet witnessed twenty first century era ‘fake news’ popping almost daily basis making difficult figure out who telling truth whom simply ‘spinning yarns?’ amidst tide fake articles subjective reports “alternative facts" lies feeds show just influential medium developed shape way think feel vote decisions years come