7.4 The relationship between television and political power
3 min read•august 16, 2024
Television wields immense power in shaping political landscapes. It frames issues, sets agendas, and influences public perception through news coverage, debates, and advertising. Politicians leverage TV to communicate directly with voters and sway opinions.
Beyond campaigns, TV plays a crucial role in political accountability. uncovers scandals, segments hold leaders accountable, and live coverage of hearings increases transparency. Media ownership structures also impact the relationship between television and political power.
Television's Influence on Politics
Media Framing and Agenda-Setting
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- Political actors shape public perception through carefully crafted messages and visual imagery on television
- presents issues aligned with political agendas influencing viewers' interpretations of events
- in television news coverage influences which political issues are perceived as most important by the public
- Politicians employ media consultants and communication strategists to optimize their television presence for maximum impact
- Spin in political communication creates favorable interpretations of events or policies for particular actors or parties
Direct Communication and Advertising
- Television appearances (interviews, debates, speeches) allow politicians to directly communicate with the public
- Political figures establish personal connections with viewers through televised appearances
- on television plays a crucial role in campaign strategies
- and targeted messaging in TV ads sway voter opinions
- The "" in political campaigns uses television advertising to reach and persuade voters on a mass scale
Television in Political Campaigns
Debates and News Coverage
- Television debates provide candidates with a platform to directly compare positions and personalities
- Debates have become a cornerstone of modern political campaigns
- Television news coverage significantly influences public perception of candidates
- Selection and framing of stories shape voter perceptions
- "Horse race" coverage focuses on polling data and campaign strategy
- Horse race reporting shapes perceptions of candidates' viability and momentum
- networks provide continuous analysis and commentary on the election process
Voter Mobilization and Campaign Dynamics
- Television's wide reach makes it a critical tool for voter mobilization efforts
- utilize television to encourage voter participation
- The "" phenomenon in televised political coverage can significantly impact election outcomes
- Television's ability to rapidly disseminate breaking news can alter campaign dynamics (WikiLeaks email releases in 2016)
- and candidate forums allow for direct voter-candidate interaction
Television's Accountability Power
Investigative Journalism and Transparency
- Television plays a crucial role in uncovering political scandals through investigative journalism
- The "" concept positions TV news as a government watchdog
- Visual nature of television allows for impactful presentation of evidence in political investigations
- Live coverage of congressional hearings increases transparency and public scrutiny (Watergate hearings)
- The "" describes television's potential to influence foreign policy decisions (Somalia intervention in 1992)
Fact-Checking and Whistleblowing
- Television amplifies whistleblower accounts and leaked information (Edward Snowden's NSA revelations)
- Fact-checking segments on TV news programs hold political leaders accountable for accuracy
- Television interviews can expose inconsistencies in politicians' statements
- Investigative documentaries provide in-depth examination of political issues (Fahrenheit 9/11)
- TV news analysis programs dissect and critique political speeches and policy announcements
Media Ownership vs Political Power
Corporate Influence and Regulation
- influences the diversity and independence of political coverage on television
- Large corporate ownership can shape TV content to align with dominant political and economic interests
- on media ownership impact the relationship between TV networks and political power
- FCC rules in the United States limit the number of TV stations a single entity can own
- The "" between media executives and government officials creates potential conflicts of interest
Alternative Models and Emerging Platforms
- present a different ownership model affecting political coverage
- Government funding or license fees support public broadcasters (BBC, PBS)
- on TV networks can impact editorial decisions and political issue framing
- challenges traditional media ownership structures (Netflix producing political documentaries)
- Social media platforms integrate with television coverage, altering political communication dynamics
- and user-generated content provide alternative perspectives on political events
Key Terms to Review (24)
24-hour cable news: 24-hour cable news refers to television channels that provide continuous news coverage and updates throughout the day and night. This format allows for the rapid dissemination of news, often prioritizing immediacy over in-depth analysis, which has transformed how audiences engage with current events and political discourse.
Advertising revenue influence: Advertising revenue influence refers to the impact that advertising income has on the programming and content decisions made by television networks. This influence can shape the types of shows that are produced, how they are marketed, and even the political messages conveyed, as networks often prioritize content that attracts advertisers and generates profits over diverse or controversial topics.
Agenda-setting: Agenda-setting is the theory that media doesn't tell people what to think, but rather what to think about. This process influences public perception by highlighting specific issues, making them more salient in the public discourse and shaping the priorities of both audiences and policymakers. The power of agenda-setting is especially visible in how television media can impact political power dynamics and reflect societal values.
Air war: Air war refers to the strategic use of broadcast media, particularly television, to shape public opinion and influence political outcomes during elections and political campaigns. This concept highlights the battleground that exists in the media landscape, where candidates deploy advertising, news coverage, and televised debates to gain an advantage over their opponents, reflecting the close relationship between media influence and political power.
Citizen journalism: Citizen journalism refers to the practice where ordinary individuals, often without formal training in journalism, actively report and disseminate news and information using various media platforms, especially social media. This grassroots approach empowers citizens to share their perspectives, often filling gaps left by traditional media outlets, and plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse, especially in relation to political power and accountability.
Cnn effect: The CNN effect refers to the impact that live television coverage, particularly from CNN and similar news outlets, can have on public opinion and government decision-making in times of crisis. This phenomenon highlights how real-time reporting can influence political responses, shape narratives, and sometimes compel leaders to take action due to the urgency created by televised images and information.
Corporate influence: Corporate influence refers to the power and control that businesses and corporations exert over media content, public opinion, and political processes. This influence can shape narratives, dictate programming choices, and impact regulatory frameworks, ultimately affecting the relationship between media platforms and their audiences. Understanding corporate influence is crucial as it reveals how economic interests can align or conflict with democratic values and the public good.
Emergence of streaming services: The emergence of streaming services refers to the rise and widespread adoption of digital platforms that allow users to access and view television shows, movies, and other video content over the internet in real-time, without needing to download files. This shift has transformed how audiences consume media, leading to new viewing habits and changing the dynamics between content creators, distributors, and viewers.
Emotional appeals: Emotional appeals are persuasive techniques used in media to evoke strong feelings in the audience, aiming to influence their opinions, beliefs, or actions. These appeals can create connections between viewers and the subjects of the content, particularly in political messaging, by tapping into emotions such as fear, hope, anger, or empathy. This technique is crucial for politicians and advertisers who want to rally support or provoke reactions.
Fact-checking: Fact-checking is the process of verifying the accuracy of information, claims, and statements before they are published or broadcasted, especially in media contexts like television. This practice is essential in maintaining credibility and accountability in journalism, as it helps to prevent the spread of misinformation and supports informed public discourse. In the realm of television, fact-checking plays a critical role in political reporting, advertising, and the portrayal of current events, influencing how audiences perceive truth and authority.
Fourth estate: The term 'fourth estate' refers to the role of the press and media as a societal and political force that serves as a watchdog on government, business, and other institutions. It emphasizes the importance of free and independent media in fostering transparency and accountability, particularly in the context of democracy. By acting as a check on power, the fourth estate helps inform citizens, shaping public opinion and influencing political decisions.
Get-out-the-vote campaigns: Get-out-the-vote campaigns are organized efforts aimed at encouraging and increasing voter participation, particularly during elections. These campaigns often utilize various media, including television, to mobilize voters, share information about polling places, and emphasize the importance of voting, thereby directly influencing electoral outcomes and political engagement.
Government regulations: Government regulations are rules or directives made and enforced by governmental bodies to control how industries, businesses, and individuals operate within a society. In the realm of television, these regulations can dictate content standards, licensing requirements, and broadcasting rights, shaping the relationship between media and political power by establishing boundaries on what can be aired and how information is disseminated.
Horse race coverage: Horse race coverage refers to the style of reporting on elections and political events that emphasizes competition among candidates rather than their policies or platforms. This type of coverage often focuses on polling data, campaign strategies, and perceived front-runners, creating a narrative that likens elections to sporting events. It can shape public perception by framing the election as a contest, which may distract from important issues and lead to a superficial understanding of candidates.
Investigative Journalism: Investigative journalism is a form of journalism that involves in-depth reporting to uncover hidden information, often focusing on issues of public interest, corruption, or wrongdoing. This type of journalism goes beyond standard reporting by utilizing extensive research, interviews, and data analysis to reveal truths that may be obscured from the public eye. It plays a crucial role in holding power accountable and is often characterized by its commitment to thoroughness and integrity.
Media consolidation: Media consolidation refers to the process where a few large corporations or entities gain control over a significant portion of the media landscape, including television networks, radio stations, newspapers, and online platforms. This concentration of media ownership can lead to reduced diversity of viewpoints and can significantly impact political power dynamics, as these corporations can influence public opinion and political discourse through the content they produce and distribute.
Media framing: Media framing refers to the way information is presented and organized by media outlets, influencing how audiences perceive and interpret events or issues. This concept highlights the power of media in shaping public discourse by emphasizing certain aspects while downplaying others, thus guiding viewers' understanding and reactions. It plays a crucial role in political communication, as the framing of news stories can impact the audience's opinions on political power and policy matters.
October Surprise: An October Surprise refers to an unexpected event or revelation that emerges in the month before a major election, particularly in the United States, often aimed at influencing the outcome of the election. This term highlights the strategic use of timing in politics, where candidates or parties may use significant news or events to sway voter opinions right before they cast their ballots.
Political advertising: Political advertising refers to the use of paid media space to promote a candidate, party, or policy, aiming to influence voters' perceptions and behaviors during elections. This form of advertising often includes television commercials, online ads, and sponsored content, serving as a vital tool for campaigns to communicate their messages and gain political power. It connects to the dynamics of television by shaping public discourse, framing political issues, and mobilizing voter turnout.
Public broadcasting systems: Public broadcasting systems are media organizations that provide television and radio programming funded by public funds, designed to serve the interests of the community rather than commercial advertisers. These systems play a crucial role in providing access to diverse content, educational programming, and unbiased news coverage, which can influence political power dynamics and public discourse.
Revolving Door: The revolving door refers to the practice where individuals move between roles in government and positions in the private sector, particularly in lobbying or industries that are regulated by the government. This cycle can create potential conflicts of interest and raise questions about the integrity of both public policy and business practices, as officials may leverage their insider knowledge and connections for personal gain or influence.
Televised debates: Televised debates are formal discussions on political topics that are broadcasted on television, typically involving candidates running for public office. These debates have become a crucial aspect of political campaigns, shaping public perception and influencing voter opinions, highlighting the relationship between media and political power.
Televised town halls: Televised town halls are public meetings that are broadcasted on television, allowing politicians or public figures to engage directly with citizens. These events serve as a platform for discussion, enabling constituents to voice their concerns, ask questions, and receive information about policies and initiatives. The accessibility of televised town halls contributes to a greater awareness of political issues and fosters a sense of community involvement in the democratic process.
Whistleblowing: Whistleblowing refers to the act of reporting unethical, illegal, or harmful practices within an organization to those in positions of authority or the public. This act often involves disclosing information that is meant to hold individuals or organizations accountable for their actions, especially when these actions are detrimental to society or violate laws. Whistleblowing is crucial in the context of political power as it can expose corruption, abuse, and mismanagement, influencing public opinion and policy changes.