Journalism 310

Political entertainment & its effects

Since the development of the representative American democracy, the political has sometimes been entertaining
- Thomas Nast & others in 19th century: Print media
- Radio & television in 20th century
This can be beneficial -- more people engaged in politics -- but potential problematic -- is this engagement constructive?
- Some political science scholars have noted this relationship
- PBS video: Talkers shaping policy
Democracy requires an informed populace to contribute. Do talkers like Father Coughlin or Glenn Beck contribute to the public's knowledge? Or, do they reinforce unsubstantiated claims?
How is the audience influenced = Media effects theories

Hypodermic needle effect theory (or magic bullet theory)
- Following introduction of electronic communication and uses in WWII
- Effects assumed to be quite strong
Later: limited effects theories
- Peer groups & predispositions prevent strong media effects on general audience
Contemporarily
- Media effects are not as strong as thought following WWII
- Some audiences are more susceptable (children)
- Some forms of media may be more influential (driving after Grand Theft Auto)

Many others, from both ideological perspectives
- Characteristics: Identifies wrong-doer(s) in society, criticizes their acts on television. Examples:
  - Rick Santelli (CNBC), who identifies those who cannot afford mortgages as "losers" (Feb. 19, 2009)
  - Jon Stewart (Comedy Central's "Daily Show"), who addresses CNBC and their subjects with "fuck you."
  - Glenn Beck (Fox News): Obama "is a racist"
Effect: Tea Party
- Many have linked Santelli's rant to the beginnings of the Tea Party movement that is thriving today
- The Tea Party is a right-wing movement, informally led by Glenn Beck and Sarah Palin, that advocates for a smaller federal government and lower taxes
- Its name is derived from Boston revolt against the English Crown's Tea Act, which required tea be taxed in the colonies
- Its popularity was demonstrated with a rally that generated thousands of attendees
Watch: Tea party attendees (start at 3:20)
- How well-informed are the people who are educated by Glenn Beck?
  - About Beck's claim about Obama being a racist
  - About Obama's nationality and religion
  - About Park51, a community center with an Islamic prayer space in lower Manhattan
  - Immigration
- Source: New Left Media (consider its agenda and its choices of participants)

Journalists and media commentators use pop culture icons and archetypes for audience reference and simple understanding
Archetypes help journalists describe individuals & concepts
- From previous class online material: KC Times, Jesse James as Robin Hood
  - Concept: Noble criminal, robs from rich, gives to poor
Today's archetype: Howard Beale
- Describes the fictional character in Network, whose actions led to strong media effects
Association
- News articles and programs (including Stewart's) have noted the similarities among the above examples and Howard Beale

Today we watch clips from Network, if you are not in class you are required to view it elsewhere.
- Released in 1976, following Patty Hearst kidnapping & later conviction
We will examine this relationship in a 100-word post to the Vista discussion board by exam 2.
Requirements:
1. Find and read an article that mentions Howard Beale and contemporary (within the last 5-10 years) media culture.
2. Provide a citation of this article at the top of your report.
  - Include name of author (or commentator), date of publication or appearance, title of publication or program, title of program or headline of article
  - Include a URL (copy and paste from the browser address bar
3. Write on paragraph that summarizes the article's reference to Howard Beale. Some considerations:
4. If an association is made between Beale and a contemporary news personality, write a paragraph about whether or not you find this association to be appropriate. Refer to scenes in the movie to support your case.