6.2 Television News and Its Impact on Society
3 min read•july 23, 2024
Television news revolutionized information consumption in the mid-20th century. Starting with in 1948, it faced technical limitations and competition from established media, but gradually gained credibility and developed a distinct style for delivering news visually.
TV news significantly impacts public opinion through its wide reach and emotional power. It sets the agenda for public discourse, frames issues, and influences political perceptions. As a window to the world, it shapes our understanding of global events, though ethical concerns like and bias persist.
The Rise and Influence of Television News
Emergence of television news
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- Television news emerged in the mid-20th century revolutionizing how people consumed news and information
- CBS Evening News aired the first regular television news broadcast in the United States in 1948 marking a significant milestone
- Early television news faced technical limitations such as black-and-white footage and limited ability to broadcast live from remote locations (war zones, disaster areas) hindering its coverage
- Established news media like radio and newspapers posed significant competition for the fledgling television news industry as it struggled to gain a foothold
- Building credibility and trust with the audience proved challenging for early television news as it worked to establish itself as a reliable source of information
- Developing a distinct style and format for delivering news on television required experimentation and innovation to captivate viewers and convey information effectively (newsreels, anchor-based newscasts)
Television's impact on public opinion
- Television news significantly impacts public opinion due to its ability to reach a wide audience and evoke strong emotional responses through its visual nature (powerful images, compelling footage)
- function of television news involves determining which issues and events receive coverage and influencing the perceived importance of topics in the public eye
- of news stories by presenting events and issues from a particular perspective shapes how the public understands and interprets information (positive/negative spin, emphasizing certain aspects)
- Television news serves as a primary source of political information for many citizens influencing voter perceptions and decision-making
- Political campaigns and elections heavily rely on television news for candidate appearances, interviews, campaign advertisements, and debate coverage to sway public opinion
The Global Impact and Ethics of Television News
Television news and world events
- Television news acts as a window to the world bringing international events into people's homes and shaping perceptions of foreign countries and cultures
- Coverage of major global events such as wars (, , ), natural disasters (, Japan earthquake and tsunami), and terrorist attacks (, ) keeps the public informed
- Limitations and biases in international news coverage exist including an emphasis on sensational and dramatic events, underrepresentation of certain regions and issues, and the influence of political and economic interests
Ethics in television news coverage
- Television news must the public's right to know with other considerations such as national security and the privacy rights of individuals
- Sensationalism and of news prioritize entertainment value over informational content blurring the lines between news and opinion
- Bias and in news reporting remain ongoing concerns with the political leanings of news organizations and the influence of advertisers and corporate ownership
- for television journalists emphasize accuracy, fact-checking, fairness, impartiality, transparency, and disclosure of potential conflicts of interest
- High-profile controversies in television news (CBS News and George W. Bush National Guard documents, NBC News editing George Zimmerman's 911 call, CNN misreporting Boston Marathon bombing suspect's arrest) highlight the importance of adhering to ethical standards
Key Terms to Review (21)
9/11: 9/11 refers to the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, when al-Qaeda operatives hijacked four commercial airplanes, crashing two into the World Trade Center towers in New York City and one into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. This tragic event not only caused significant loss of life but also dramatically changed the landscape of television news coverage, influencing how news was reported and consumed in the years that followed.
Agenda-setting: Agenda-setting is the process by which the media influences the importance placed on the topics of the public agenda. It shapes what issues are considered important by focusing attention on specific topics, thereby guiding public perception and discussion. This term highlights how media can determine not just what people think about, but also how they think about those issues, especially in political contexts and society at large.
Balance: Balance refers to the fair and impartial representation of diverse viewpoints and information in journalism, ensuring that no single perspective is disproportionately favored. This concept is crucial for fostering trust and credibility, as it helps to present a comprehensive view of events and issues while avoiding bias that can influence public perception and opinion.
CBS Evening News: CBS Evening News is a prominent American television news program that has been broadcasting since 1948, making it one of the longest-running evening news programs in the United States. It is known for delivering national and international news coverage, featuring a mix of investigative journalism, political reporting, and human interest stories. The program plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion and informing viewers about current events, thus highlighting the significance of television news in society.
Creation of CNN: The creation of CNN, or the Cable News Network, marks the launch of the first 24-hour news channel in June 1980. This innovative approach to news broadcasting revolutionized how information was disseminated, allowing viewers to access live coverage and updates at any time, significantly impacting society's relationship with news consumption and the media landscape.
Ethical guidelines: Ethical guidelines are a set of principles and standards that govern the conduct of journalists and media professionals, ensuring their work is responsible, accurate, and fair. These guidelines help maintain public trust in journalism by establishing a framework for integrity, accountability, and respect for sources. They are essential in navigating complex situations that arise in reporting, particularly when balancing the public's right to know with potential harm to individuals or communities.
First televised presidential debate: The first televised presidential debate took place on September 26, 1960, between candidates John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon. This landmark event marked a significant shift in political communication, illustrating the growing influence of television as a medium for news and information dissemination, ultimately changing the way elections were conducted and perceived by the public.
Framing: Framing refers to the way information and events are presented to the audience, shaping how they interpret and understand the news. This concept highlights that the media does not just report facts but also influences perceptions by selecting specific aspects of a story to emphasize, thereby guiding audience interpretation and opinion. The framing of news can impact public discourse and societal views, illustrating the media's significant role in shaping reality.
Gulf War: The Gulf War, also known as the Persian Gulf War, was a conflict that occurred from 1990 to 1991, primarily between Iraq and a coalition of countries led by the United States. It began when Iraq, under Saddam Hussein, invaded Kuwait, prompting a military response from the international community to liberate Kuwait. The war significantly impacted television news and the evolution of broadcast news formats, showcasing the power of media in shaping public perception and providing real-time coverage of military operations.
Hurricane Katrina: Hurricane Katrina was a devastating tropical cyclone that struck the Gulf Coast of the United States in August 2005, causing catastrophic flooding and destruction, particularly in New Orleans, Louisiana. The extensive media coverage during and after the hurricane highlighted the inadequacies in disaster preparedness and response, significantly shaping public perception and discourse on government accountability and media's role in crisis situations.
Media credibility: Media credibility refers to the trustworthiness and reliability of news sources, including how audiences perceive their accuracy and integrity. This concept is crucial in understanding the impact of television news on society, as higher levels of media credibility lead to greater public trust and engagement with news content. When viewers believe in the credibility of a television news source, they are more likely to be informed, make decisions based on that information, and participate in civic activities.
Objectivity: Objectivity in journalism refers to the practice of reporting news and information without bias, favoritism, or personal opinions, striving for an impartial presentation of facts. This concept is fundamental in ensuring that audiences receive fair and accurate information, which is essential for informed public discourse.
Paris Attacks: The Paris attacks refer to a series of coordinated terrorist assaults that took place in Paris, France, on November 13, 2015, leading to widespread casualties and panic. These attacks involved shootings, bombings, and hostage situations at multiple locations, including the Bataclan concert hall and various restaurants, and they highlighted the vulnerability of urban centers to acts of terrorism. The event significantly impacted public perception of safety and security and raised questions about counterterrorism measures in Europe.
Political polarization: Political polarization refers to the growing ideological distance and division between political parties or groups, leading to a lack of consensus on key issues and an increase in partisanship. This phenomenon can create a more hostile political environment, where compromise becomes difficult and individuals align more strongly with their party's views. It often results in an 'us vs. them' mentality, affecting social cohesion and civic discourse.
Public sphere: The public sphere is a space where individuals can come together to discuss and debate societal issues, share information, and form public opinion outside of governmental or economic influence. This concept highlights the importance of communication and dialogue in fostering a democratic society, where media plays a critical role in connecting people and facilitating these discussions.
Sensationalism: Sensationalism refers to a style of reporting that emphasizes shocking or exciting events, often exaggerating details to attract attention and provoke strong emotional responses. This approach prioritizes entertainment value over factual accuracy, leading to a distortion of reality that can shape public perceptions and influence societal narratives. Sensationalism has evolved through different media forms, reflecting changes in technology and audience engagement.
Syrian Civil War: The Syrian Civil War is an ongoing multi-sided conflict that began in 2011, primarily between the Syrian government, led by President Bashar al-Assad, and various opposition groups. This brutal conflict has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis, widespread displacement, and has drawn in numerous foreign powers, impacting global politics and media coverage.
Tabloidization: Tabloidization refers to the trend in journalism and media towards sensationalism, focusing on entertaining and emotional content rather than factual reporting. This shift often prioritizes eye-catching headlines, celebrity gossip, and scandalous stories over substantive news coverage, which has significant implications for the quality of information presented to the public.
Vietnam War: The Vietnam War was a prolonged conflict that lasted from 1955 to 1975, primarily involving North Vietnam and its communist allies fighting against South Vietnam and the United States. This war significantly impacted the geopolitical landscape of Southeast Asia and shaped public perceptions of media reporting on warfare, particularly through the rise of news agencies and television coverage.
Viewership ratings: Viewership ratings are numerical values that indicate the size and demographic composition of an audience watching a television program, helping networks and advertisers assess the program's popularity. These ratings are crucial for understanding how television news impacts society, as they influence what stories are covered and how they are presented to attract larger audiences.
Watchdog journalism: Watchdog journalism refers to the role of the media as an overseer or monitor of government, businesses, and other powerful institutions, aiming to uncover wrongdoing and hold them accountable. This form of journalism is essential for democracy, as it fosters transparency, promotes ethical conduct, and informs the public about issues affecting society. By exposing corruption, inefficiencies, and abuses of power, watchdog journalism serves as a vital check on authority.