How does mass media reflect a political system globally?

Mass media reflects a political system globally because the government is the institution that can either control or allow for the freedom of the press. “The world’s nations and media systems can be measured on a scale of media freedom” (Vivian 420). There are typically two types of government, authoritarian and libertarian. Authoritarian is typically governments who run a tyranny, also known as a dictatorship. In these nations, the government is seen as infallible, which places its policies beyond questioning by the media. “The media’s role in an authoritarian society is subservience to government” (Vivian 397). The mass media is reflected in this sentiment with pre-publication censorship, which means authorities preview material before dissemination, also they believe that anyone who goes against the government is reporting based on falsity. A libertarian government however allows for freedom of the press. The United States is a libertarian government and under the First Amendment people have natural right that they should be guaranteed which includes freedom of speech and press. A political system that rules under libertarianism believe that the press should have free reign as long as it does not interfere with international security, like the release of defense strategies. Mass media is reflective of the political system implemented in a society because its freedom is determined by the government.

What is the significance of the fourth estate?

The fourth estate is the final, unofficial check and balance in America’s bureaucratic system. Better known as the press and protected by the first amendment; it serves as a watchdog over government activity. It keeps the general public informed as objectively as possible, allowing them to form their own opinions on the subject. Within the last few centuries, the press has catalyzed a lot of reform and has helped keep society in control of how their government acts. Although the fourth estate holds a lot of power, and it has been known to follow its own agenda when it comes to certain issues. The press also will act in the best interest of profit. Found in the media are many images and sensationalist articles that cannot be trusted. It becomes up to the individual to make their own decisions and not believe everything that is broadcasted. But when it comes down to it, the fourth estate is imperative to have a successful democracy. By mass-sharing information, society can make informed decisions on how they choose their lifestyle, and their leaders.

What is the significance of the fourth estate?

Media has been referred to as the fourth estate since Medieval English and French societies determined its ability to emerge as a power player with the invention of Gutenberg’s moveable type and mass-produced written word. The media serves an independent role in reporting on the government and assuming a watchdog role on behalf of the citizens. Watchdog role is defined as the “concept of the press asa skeptical and critical monitor of government” (Vivian 381). The media is used as a vehicle to report the truth and uncover scandals that permeate the government. The fourth estate is significant because it is an outside check on the accountability of the government and it also effects governance as a whole. The media, due to a lack of time and space, acts as a framer by selecting what to cover which in return creates the public’s agenda. Although political leaders have been quick to learn techniques to influence what media covers, it is ultimately the decision of the news station and newspeople to decide what will be covered, how it will be covered, and how the people will react to the coverage. “The news media report on the other estates, ideally with roots in none and a commitment only to truth” (Vivian 379).

What are some mass media effects and their impact on society?

How someone perceives the media and its influence is different for everyone. Some people believe that the media directly impacts us, which is the powerful effects theory, under the umbrella of the bullet theory. “…powerful effects theory devotees assumed that the media could inject information, ideas and even propaganda into the public consciousness.” (Vivian 352). These people think that the media has immediate effects. Others theories have been proposed such as the minimalist and cumulative effects theories. Supporters of the minimalist theory believe that the media’s effects are mostly indirect. People are influenced by their social agents and not exactly from advertising, radio, television, or newspapers. The cumulative effects theory says that, “…media influence is gradual over time.” (Vivian 353). A prominent leader in this theory is Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann, who is a German scholar. These are just a few descriptions to elucidate the extent to which the media influences us.

Lifestyle effects contribute to the mass media’s effects on our society as well. Socialization contributes to it; the process by which we learn behavior. Living patterns, such as the typical nine to five work day which allowed little time for reading the evening edition of the news, which lead it being phased out. All of these theories and more explain how the media is depicted.

What are some mass media effects and their impact on society?

Mass media effects everyone in numerous ways. Television can help children learn at a young age. Shows like Sesame Street and Barney help children learn how to share and also teaches them values. They can learn right from wrong from these shows. The newspaper informs everyone of what is going on in the world. Americans have numerous resources to use to find out the news. Television, newspapers and magazines are all resources used to update the American people on current events. The mass media has a direct effect on society. It influences everything we as Americans do. Commercials and ads influence what products we buy and campaign ads influence who we vote for. The mass media effects us in so many ways we don't even realize. Violent movies and video games are very controversial right now. Games like Grand Theft Auto are especially controversial. This game is extremely violent and inappropriate. If young kids start playing it bad things could potentially happen. Kids under the age of 12 are too young to play games like these. Even some teenagers can't handle the content in these games. They lose touch with reality and the difference between right and wrong. Violence is such a normal act in this game that it really affects those who play it. Overall, the mass media effects society in numerous ways.

What are some mass media effects and their impact on society?

Mass media can definitely effect society in many different ways. Not only can it effect children, teenagers and adults but seniors too. "Mass media have a large role in initiating children into society. The socialization process is essential in perpetuating cultural values" (Vivian 354). As the book says, nobody is born knowing how to fit into society. Where do we learn the basic essentials for fitting into todays society? Mass media. Television, newspapers, movies, music and magazines are just a few ways for people to gain knowledge into our society. It all really begins in the toddler age. The first things that we see is what we believe is right, and depending on what we see in the media is how we are going to act. I don't believe media is the only impact on our society, but I do believe it plays a strong role. Sesame Street, Barney, Blues Clues and Arthur are just a few of the shows we watched growing up that taught us how to share, count, spell, problem solve and an all around basic knowledge to begin our learning. Today however the children's shows are more based on entertainment and noise then an educational knowledge. The process then moves on to teenagers and their video games and late night TV. There is so much more violence and mature content in games and the big screen than there was 10 years ago. This definitely has an impact I think on todays environment. More people talk about their kills in Halo than they do their homework grades. Did they see the latest teenage pregnancy TV show rather than how far along their midterm paper was. The media is not our sole cause for changing our society, but it does have a huge impact on what we do in our society today.

Which audience analysis measurement principles and techniques are most effective and why?

"Traditional polling techniques include interviews and diaries, both of which are being eclipsed by meters. Some devices even track which billboards a person passes and how often. These new devices track usage of new media forms, including the Internet, and the extension of television viewing beyond the living room and also playback viewing with TiVo and similar devices" (Vivian 336). There are a many different ways do this including; Interviews, diaries, meters, people meters and portable meters. Interviews is basically face to face, mail and telephone survey techniques to get peoples reactions and fuller information. Diaries are a sampling technique in which respondents keep their own records. They were mailed during sweep weeks to get the best results. Meters are the most effective technique. Meters, people meters and portable meters were introduced as a supplement to diaries and improving accuracy. People meters are devices that track individual viewers by scanning the television channels every 2.7 meters. Portable devices are to be carried around by people to see what people are watching at bars, restaurants, offices and airports. All in all, meters are the best way to track what is being watched because it gets people at home, individuals and what people are doing in the public.