The media is an intricate part of American government, intertwined with the practice of democracy, but to what extent does the media influence public opinion? To answer that several aspects of media coverage have to be explored. The first fact is thatthe media is Americas basic resource for all the news concerning American politics. Thesecond aspect is that the opinion expressed by the press influences the opinion adopted bythe public. Lastly the issues the media deem important help set the national agenda.The most basic way the media influence public opinion is by offering knowledgeabout government decisions and access to government information. Daily the pressdeliver the raw information to the nation, whom in turn form into opinions. Without themedia it would take the public longer to become educated about governmentalproceedings. The media send messages across the nation. Before the advancement ofsuch media as the television, radio, and the Internet, a much smaller percentage ofAmericans were informed about the issues concerning the nation.The second way the media can influence public opinion is through their ability toconvey an overall tone to their readers and viewers according to their own sentiments. Often a newspapers own feelings on a certain issue are expressed in their articles. Whenthe public reads about such issues they can adopt the attitude which the media portrayed. The press my frame stories in a way that enhances the overall tone toward governmentand politics. Unfortunately the most common trend is to hold a negative attitude towardgovernment. This negative tone has led to a national decline in voter participation. Agreater portion of the country now attains a skeptical view of the American government.Most likely the largest way the media impact the public opinion is through agendasetting. Because of the vast number of issues plaguing America today, the press has todecide which they will cover and which...
