Topic 5.12 The Media AP Government

Summary

The video discusses the evolving role of media in political participation. It traces how news consumption has shifted from traditional outlets like newspapers and radio to cable TV, the internet, and now social media. The media's role in connecting people to government is explored, with a focus on two key functions: 'horserace journalism,' which emphasizes polling over substantive issues, and 'watchdog journalism,' where investigative reporting exposes government wrongdoing. The potential effects of media coverage on elections, including the 'bandwagon effect,' are also examined.

Takeaways

• 📰 Traditional media includes newspapers, radio, and network TV, which were the primary news sources in earlier times.
• 📺 In the 1980s, cable TV became a new way for people to consume news, followed by the Internet and blogs in the 1990s and early 2000s.
• 🌐 Today, many people get their news from social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook, even though these are not traditional news outlets.
• 🗞️ The media connects people to the government by reporting on important issues, influencing public perception through the way stories are portrayed.
• 📊 One key role of the media is 'horserace journalism,' which focuses on public opinion polls and political candidate approval ratings rather than substantive issues.
• 🏇 Horserace journalism can leave the public less informed about political platforms, focusing more on the rise and fall of poll numbers like a competition.
• 📉 This type of coverage can contribute to the 'bandwagon effect,' where people vote for candidates leading in the polls, ignoring those trailing behind.
• 🕵️ Another significant role of the media is being a 'watchdog,' through investigative journalism, uncovering political scandals, corruption, and wrongdoing.
• 🔍 Watchdog journalism helps ensure government transparency by exposing illegal actions and administrative failures.
• 🎬 The video is part of a larger series on government and media, with one more video left in the unit, signaling the conclusion of new government content in the course.

Q & A

What is the main idea of the video?

The main idea of the video is to explore how media influences political participation, with a focus on changes in news consumption over time and the roles media play, such as horserace journalism and watchdog journalism.

How has the way people get news changed over time?

News consumption has evolved from traditional media like newspapers, radio, and network television, to cable TV in the 1980s, the internet and blogs in the 1990s and 2000s, and now to social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook.

What are the two key roles of the media discussed in the video?

The two key roles are horserace journalism, where media focuses on polling and public opinion instead of substantive issues, and watchdog journalism, where media investigates and exposes government wrongdoing or corruption.

What is horserace journalism, and what are its potential negative effects?

Horserace journalism is the tendency to focus on polling and election standings rather than issues. Its negative effects include leaving the public less informed about political platforms and encouraging a bandwagon effect where voters support candidates based on polling trends rather than their policies.

What is the bandwagon effect, and how can it impact elections?

The bandwagon effect occurs when voters support candidates who are leading in polls, often disregarding other candidates. This can skew election outcomes by influencing public opinion based on perceived popularity rather than informed decisions.

Why might horserace journalism make the public less informed?

Horserace journalism emphasizes poll numbers and the competitive aspect of elections, diverting attention from substantive issues and candidate platforms, leading to a less informed electorate.

What is watchdog journalism?

Watchdog journalism is investigative reporting that seeks to uncover wrongdoing, corruption, or incompetence in government, ensuring that officials and agencies are held accountable to the public.

Why is the role of watchdog journalism important?

Watchdog journalism is important because it helps to expose illegal actions or failures in government, protecting the public interest and ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.

How does social media impact the way people get news today?

Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook, though not traditional news outlets, have become major sources of information for many people, often providing a quick, accessible way to consume news but with the risk of misinformation.

What will be covered in the final video mentioned at the end of the transcript?

The final video in the series will wrap up the topic of news media and serve as the last video of new government content for the course.