Media and politics
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11 pages
Media and PoliticsIntroduction
This presentation is in no way a complete analysis of the subject, however, it aims to give a quick look at the complex relationship between the media and politics through concrete examples of their current or past interaction. Both the media and politicians alike manipulate each other in order to gain influence and further their personal interests. Although politicians have been chosen to represent a certain people, media has found a way to help sway the beliefs of their followers, now in a more explicit fashion than when it was first coined to be the “fourth power of democracy” around the 1960s and 1970s. So, both are very powerful but do they only influence people or do they also influence each other? First, we define the two components of this relationship, however basic but nonetheless important. Next, we describe how politicians take advantage of the media and how the situation can be reversed, showing that, in the end, one can swing more weight than the other.
I. Definitions
Here are the definitions of the two components of this binary relationship: 1. Politician: “a person experienced in the art or science of government; especially : one actively engaged in conducting the business of a government.” (Merriam-Webster Online, “politician”). 2a. Media: “In general, ‘media’ refers to various means of communication. For example, television, radio, and the newspaper are different types of media. The term can also be used as a collective noun for the press or news reporting agencies.” (http:// www.techterms.com/definition/media) 2b. The media’s sphere of influence: (show map) ● Countries in white: Australia, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, Belgium, Switzerland, Sweden ● Countries in yellow: the US, France, Spain ● Countries in orange: Brazil ● Countries in red: Russia, China, Mexico ● Countries in black: Libya, Somalia, Iran (theocracy), Saudi Arabia, North Korea
II. The Media as a Tool for Politicians
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The media first