American Government

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American government
Define mass communication and mass media
Mass communication refers to how media organizations produce, receive, analyze and transmit information to large populations by using mass media. Mass media refers to the different media technologies utilized in communication to disseminate information to most people.
Discuss the types of mass media and give examples
Mass media comprises print media, which is the printed form of information or news, both local and international, disseminated to the public. It includes newspapers, magazines, books, journals, newsletters, and brochures. Broadcast media is the form of communication that utilizes an electronic broadcasting medium to distribute audio and video content to large audiences—for example, television, radio, and videos.
State and discuss the political functions of mass media
* Interpreting the news: mass media provides a subjective interpretation of political issues and news so that a reader can understand.
* Reporting the news: it is a source of political information whereby it informs the public on the various political situations and news across the country and in the world.
* Socializing with individuals: mass media socializes individuals through late-night programs where political experts offer partisan political opinions based on their political affiliation.
* Influencing individual actions: It influences people’s political activities, such as voting and views about a political party or an individual based on the news they broadcast or publish continually.
* Setting the government agenda: It sets the government agenda by frequently covering a news item they consider essential and making the public view it as a crucial issue worth action. Consequently, the political class is pulled into the discussion and has to make the news item part of the government agenda that needs immediate debate and action.
Discuss how well each form of media performs these functions by analyzing circulation, timeliness, content, and influence.
Broadcast media significantly influences the opinion and actions of the public t...