Sociology - Contemporary Mass Media - Quick Guides | Sociology

Preview (3 of 9 Pages)

100%

Sociology - Contemporary Mass Media - Page 1 preview image

Loading page ...

Study GuideSociology—Contemporary Mass Media1. Creating News and Culture1.1 How News Gets ChosenSociologists who study culture have spent a lot of time looking at how news is created. Journaliststhemselves also think carefully about this process. The biggest challenge they face is simple:farmore things happen every day than the media could ever report. Because of this, journalists mustconstantly decide which events to cover and which ones to leave out.These choices are not easy. Newspapers must meet strict printing deadlines, and television newsmust go on air at exact times. There is very little room for delay. As a result, reporters and editorsoften make important decisions quickly, under pressure, and with limited information.1.2 Competition and “Newsworthiness”Journalists also work in a competitive business. Newspapers want to sell more copies and attractadvertisers, so they often choose stories that appeal to a wide audience. Television news and onlinenews sites face similar pressures. They compete for viewers and advertising money, which meansthey must present stories in ways that match the interests and tastes of their audiences.Because of this, journalists decide what is“newsworthy.”If an event is not considered newsworthy,it does not get reported—and if it is not reported, it does not become news at all. In this way,journalists do more than simply report reality;they help shape it. Even when reporters present “justthe facts,” the specific facts they choose to highlight create a version of reality that audiences theninterpret in their own ways.

Sociology - Contemporary Mass Media - Page 2 preview image

Loading page ...

Study Guide1.3 The Power of the MediumMedia experts also point out thatthe type of media used affects what kind of news gets shared.For example, newspapers focus on written explanations, while television depends heavily on visuals.Because TV relies on images, stories that can be shown visually—like dramatic events, accidents, orcrime—are more likely to be covered. Events that are harder to show, such as economic trends orpolicy discussions, often receive less attention.1.4 The “Tyranny of the Image”Critics call this heavy reliance on visuals the“tyranny of the image.”They note that television newshas changed a lot over time. In the 1950s and 1960s, news broadcasts were short—about 15minutes—and focused mainly on politics and business. Today, local news programs can lastanywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. While they still include some political and economic reporting, crimestories and disasters now dominate much of the airtime.Modern news tends to focus more onstorytellingthan on detailed analysis. Stories with strongemotions, clear heroes or victims, and dramatic images work well on television. In contrast, topics likeeconomic trends or business analysis are less visually exciting and therefore appear less often—eventhough they may affect people’s lives more deeply.1.5 Concerns About Missing InformationMany experts worry that this focus on visuals can distort reality. Important topics, especially economicissues that affect everyone, may not be fully explained. Instead, news reports often limit economiccoverage to brief stock market updates or a few statistics, without enough background or context tohelp viewers truly understand what is happening.1.6 The “People Angle” in NewsPolitical and economic stories are also often told through the experience ofone individual. A singlepersonal story—emotional and relatable—can become the main image representing a policy ordecision, even if that policy has many other effects, both positive and negative.

Sociology - Contemporary Mass Media - Page 3 preview image

Loading page ...

Study GuideTelevision news uses this approach because people connect more easily with other people than withabstract ideas. As a result, news stories frequently include interviews with individuals who may notfully understand the issue or have any power to influencedecisions.1.7 Defending Television NewsSupporters of televised news argue that visuals can sometimes bemore accurate and objectivethan words alone. Seeing an event happen can feel more real than reading or hearing about it. Theyalso point out that if people do not choose to watch or read the news, then even the best reportinghas no impact.From this perspective, news must be interesting, relevant, and engaging—or people will tune out.Journalists argue that today’s news is more democratic because it reflects what audiences want,based on research and viewer preferences, rather than what journalists think peopleshouldknow. Inthis way, they see themselves as responding to the public, not lecturing it.2. Oversimplification and Stereotyping2.1 Why Media Simplifies StoriesAll types of mass media—newspapers, magazines, TV shows, and online content—facetight limitson time and space. Newspapers have only so many column inches, and TV shows or newssegments only have so many minutes to fill. Because of this, media oftensimplifies complex storiesor trims them down to fit the space or time available.The goal is to make contentquick and easy to understandfor the audience. While this convenienceis helpful for viewers and readers, sociologists point out a downside: media oftenoversimplifiesimportant social issues, leaving out the deeper details and context that matter.

Preview Mode

This document has 9 pages. Sign in to access the full document!

Report

Sociology - Contemporary Mass Media

Study Now!

Document Details

Related Documents

Sociology - Sex and Gender

Sociology - The Sociological Perspective

Sociology - Sociological Research Methods

Sociology - Socialization

Sociology - Social Groups and Organizations

Sociology - Social Change and Movements

Sociology - Social and Global Stratification

Sociology - Religion

Sociology - Race and Ethnicity

Sociology - Population and Urbanization

Company

Explore

Study Tools