Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Public sphere:
the matter of public sphere is an important issue in the study of the media. Public sphere refers to a space where people can freely discuss matters of general importance to them as citizens in a non-commercial atmosphere uncontrolled by state. The public sphere needs protection from commercial pressures and protection from the state. (Jurgen Habermas) The media can perform important functions for the public sphere, but these are undermined by commercialization, political pressures, and a weakening of the distinction between the public and the private.
Newspapers:
newspapers first published in Britain in the 18th century, mainly providing business information. The popular press emerged at the beginning of the 19th century. In the second half of the 19th century, we witness the growth of more cheaper and more popular newspapers. At the end of the 19th century advertising became a greater source of newspaper earnings. As newspapers became more popular, headlines became more bigger and there was more illustration. Increasing circulation, extension of public sphere.
Film:
emerged at the turn of the 19th century. A mass leisure activity.
Information:
the mass media are the most important sources of information. But the question is whether information provided by the mass media is accurate and objective, balanced and representing different range of opinions?
Information:
Constructing the news: The social construction of the news shapes the way that information is presented by the media. Selection of news; what is newsworthy, what is not News-gathering; journalists can be forced to conform to editorial policies and the views of owners. Those with power and wealth are able to dominate the flow of information and interpretation through the media. Governments can influence the media through censorship, controlling public broadcasters, provision of information, pressure on journalists, having good relationships with media owners. Occupational values vs. organizational values Explaining events: illusion of balance e.g. presentation of Arab-Israeli conflicts
Representation:
The media can influence people not only through the information they provided but also through the way they represent people. Representation of class, gender, race and ethnicity Class, gender, racial stereotypes
Culture:
Impact of the mass media on the development of culture Audiences; passive or active? Americanization of popular culture
Morality:
The question of whether the media are responsible for generating crime, violence, immoral sexual behavior The media are not only accused of causing people to behave badly but also accused of reporting bad behavior in an exaggerated and distorted way. They generate moral panics through exaggerated and distorted reporting of events.
Newspaper Policies:
Does ownership matter? Consequences of the concentration of newspaper ownership for the political process Do owners politically manipulate their readers/customers or merely follow their views?