The Power of the Media in Politics Essay - 1732 Words

The Power of the Media in Politics The mass media possesses a great deal of influence in society and politics in the United States. Newspapers, radio, magazines and television are able to use their own judgment when reporting current events. The power of the mass media is an asset to the government in some instances and a stumbling block in others. Recent technology and regulations related to the media have improved the means by which the public can get information. The final say in what goes into a story, however, belongs to the reporter alone. His opinions and biases are often a main part of the news the public receives. The mass media is the means by which the citizens of the United States†¦show more content†¦The press provides the people with the information necessary for democracy in the United States. According to our textbook, United States Government Democracy in Action, the mass media has been referred to as the fourth branch of government. (527) By simply associating the media with the other three branches of government implies the power of the mass media. The information relayed by the media to the people has played a major part in the democracy of the United States. The advancing technologies in todays world help the media to portray their political views. Television provides the opportunity for political figures to address the public directly, instead of through written means only. In the early 1800s few people actually subscribed to a newspaper. Those who didnt could hear the latest news in local taverns, and often those who did subscribe would mail the newspaper to their friends after they read it. (Remy 52) This way of circulating news was slow and ineffective. Newspaper distribution increased through the 1800s and mid- 1900s. Television proved to be a more convenient way to convey information, so eventually, television caused a decline in newspaper usage. 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