Most people describe government and election news coverage as superficial, narrow, and limited. Explain what factors contribute to these tendencies in news coverage in the United States
Whom do government officials and candidates blame for the nature of news coverage? Whom do journalists blame?
What will be an ideal response?
An ideal response will:
1, Discuss the factors that contribute to the superficial and narrow coverage of American news, including the need to retain an audience and not be boring or confusing, the short amount of time given to news analysis, the fact that the media focus on strategy and the horse race, and the development of technology that has allowed reporters to do their jobs faster but not better.
2,Explain how politicians blame the media for this problem because the media are driven by a need to generate an audience and thus can ignore politicians' requests for time to discuss issues at length. For example, the text mentions the rebuff of President Clinton and his request for network time to discuss United States–China relations. In addition, discuss how politicians often claim that they have a lot to say, but that the media only discuss a small portion of it. Note Jimmy Carter's frustration with the superficial coverage of campaigns, despite the fact that it is covered by more than 100 reporters.
3, Explain how the media blame politicians for embracing the sound bite as a way to stay visible in the news without saying anything of substance, and that the incentive is to build catchy phrases instead of substantive plans.
You might also like to view...
In 1350 the world had
a. learned the value of education from Europeans. b. major trading centers in what became known as Africa and the Americas. c. stability in Europe and what was called the Middle East. d. technological advances transferred from South Asia to China. e. rediscovered the learning of the ancient Greeks.
Which of the following is not correct concerning how the House and the Senate differ?
A) They serve for different terms. B) The House of Representatives has limited debate, and the Senate has unlimited debate. C) The Senate has limited debate, and the House of Representatives has unlimited debate. D) The entire House of Representatives faces reelection every two years, whereas only one-third of the Senate faces reelection at that time. E) Both branches have a sizeable amount of well-educated members.
A single-member district:
A) does not allow independent candidates to contest in state elections. B) is where the parliament elects one member from each district to their state legislature. C) is represented by multiple elected officials from different parties, according to the proportion of the vote each party receives. D) is where voters elect one member from their district to the House of Representatives and to their state legislature. E) does not include federal and state legislative districts.
The legislative appointee responsible for monitoring the expenditures of state agencies is the _____
a. state comptroller b. state treasurer c. state auditor d. secretary of state e. attorney general