Title: The Media [ushistory.org]
Headings: 5d. The Media
5d. The Media
The Political Influence of the Media

Content: Many people today criticize television, radio, newspapers, magazines, and the Internet for unfairly using their power as a major link between citizens and their government. Do the media fairly explore issues, or do they impose their own positions? The influence of the media is increased by the fact that campaigns today have become more focused on the individual than on the party. In order to win primaries, individual candidates seek media attention to gain attention from voters. As a result, do voters hold political power, or has the media simply replaced political parties as the primary force behind candidate selection? The Political Influence of the Media
The media can shape government and politics in many ways. Here are a few: The Cable Satellite Public Affairs Network — better known as C-SPAN — has been bringing live, commercial-free coverage of House of Representatives and the Senate sessions into homes since 1979. 1. By influencing political opinions of voters.