Mass Media

Mass Media

Mass Media Rough Draft
In the 21st century, where more households posses a television rather than indoor plumbing, people believe television serves an essential role in today’s society. Mass media refers to all media technologies that are intended to reach a large-scale audience by means of mass communication. Mass Media directly influences people’s viewpoints on political candidates and can potentially alter the beliefs based on information being supplied through public communication.
Media positively affects people and their opinions by educating the public on issues. For example, campaign ads such as the 2000 Bush vs. Gore “successful leader” commercial. This promotion advertisement displayed Bush’s polices and what his main focus would be as President. Most of the public may not have been familiar with Bush’s principles, although the affect of viewing this commercial can sway a voter’s opinion. Mass media informs the people on vital issues throughout the Democratic elections. Whether an informational or negative ad, it allows people to develop deeper understanding on the matter.
Politicians frequently tend to take advantage of mass media by sending counterfeit information to the public in attempt to take votes away from their opposition. For example in 1984, the campaign advertisement Reagan vs. Mondale “limo” illustrated that Reagan taxed the middle classes but not the wealthy. In 1984, the economy was in an upswing. Low Oil prices, high interest rates, and the lurking problem of the rising federal deficit caused little public concern. Former Vice President Mondale used this ad in hopes to gain public interest in running against President Reagan. Mass Media can be negative towards the public by formulating a bias towards the subject, which can make the news propaganda.
Politicians and political operatives can simulate the political virtues of transparency through rhetorical and media manipulation. Swing states are a major target of this form of...

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