Media Functions
The media has the following functions in American politics:
- Gatekeepers – set the agenda by controlling access
- Scorekeepers – conduct and report on polls
- Watchdogs – investigate government efficiency or failures
Gatekeepers
The mass media help to set the policy agenda when they select what issues to present to their viewers. Not only do they try to get information of national importance out to their viewers quickly, they hope to motivate people to get involved.
Notice in this clip that the presenters use sound bites instead of speeches. These sound bites usually last less than 7.8 seconds and are used in place of presenting the entire speech.
Obama discusses job losses, AIG anger
March 18: President Obama hosted a town hall meeting in Costa Mesa, California, where the questions focused on unemployment and job search woes. NBC's Savannah Guthrie reports.
Click on the image above to watch NBC News: Obama discusses job losses, AIG anger
Scorekeepers
The media also keeps score on public opinion by conducting and presenting poll results as well as informing viewers of strategies politicians are engaging in to further their policy agendas. Some times this is called horse-race journalism
Shields and Brooks on GOP's Repeal Effort, Obama's Overtures to Business, China
Syndicated columnist Mark Shields and New York Times columnist David Brooks sort through the week's top political news by analyzing what recent polls reveal about Obama's approval rating.
Click on the image above to watch Shields and Brooks on GOP's Repeal Effort, Obama's Overtures to Business, China
Watchdogs
The media also engages in fact-checking and investigative journalism. By investigating claims made by the government and reporting on their findings, the media acts as a powerful force to inform public opinion.
Military arms dealers had checkered past
June 24: A Congressional investigation of a botched $300 million federal arms contract with a pair of twenty-something dealers has brought the military munitions contracting process under scrutiny. NBC's Lisa Myers reports.
Click on the image above to watch NBC News: Military arms dealers had checkered past
