Question

Do you believe that the standard for news has changed? Do you find that news is moving towards more entertainment or opinion-based rather than providing factual news? What do you think of the change within the news business in which pressure for profits and ratings define what is considered news? Do you feel that with the advent of 24 hours news networks, the line between political commentary/opinion shows and straight unbiased news shows has become blurred? It is clear to you when watching a news channel as to whether you are watching straight news versus an opinion based on news show? In your opinion, do you feel that mainstream news shows should attempt to remain neutral or is it ok for them to cater to their particular audiences' viewpoint? What dangers to a democracy might exist should news outlets begin to cater to a particular ideology (whether it be liberal/conservative/pro-Democrat/pro-Republican/etc,)? How might news coverage impact voting behavior?4 Q Explain my answers to the questions above and include specific examples. My answers will be graded based on the following criteria: Critical thinking, in-depth references to the videos and clearly support opinions.

Answer 1

Changes in the standard of news :-

The way a piece of news is presented to people has evolved into a new structure. Daily news programme are no longer a source of broadcasting news only , they have become the new profit medium for Media Industry.

News station have become increasingly concerned about the entertainment values in their news .

​​​​​​The news entertainment - Fact based or opinion based ?

With the advancement of web and online news reporting the line between verified original reporting and opinion reporting have blurred . News organizations today post more content than there is , leading to an increase in opinions , commentary and blogs .

To fill up the content anyhow, the increase in fraudulent news have become a common notion .News programmes are often biased based on the viewership they have . For example - after 2016 US presidential elections ,Fox News a traditionally conservative news channel broadcasted that President Trumps approval rating is 78% while MSNBC a traditionally liberal news networks showed an approval rating of mere 18%.

Another problem is online reporting including the social media where the standard of double checking and accuracy do not apply . According to a survey conducted 62% of the Americans get their news primarily from social media .

Changes in the news industry - Advantage and disadvantages :-

Every change has its pros and cons . Similarly changes in the news industry too have it's own benefits and problem.

The greatest benefit of this change is faster dissemination of information. Another major benefit is news reader awareness of the daily information circulation.

However with easy distribution of information the chances of fake news and made up stories increase rapidly defeating the whole purpose of broadcasting to create reader awareness.

Dangers to democracy :-

The media has always considered itself as a defender of democracy, however a free press isn't enough to advance democracy.

Media is very active in broadcasting protest coverages ,however they fail to understand the implications of this on the viewers .Media has forgotten that with broadcasting comes a social responsibility of its impact .

Until the media inspires people of different colors, diversities, economic backgrounds of the world , we cannot expect those audience to trust that media is there to serve them .

As long as the media only allow voices of people from established background who have long held power to shape the news , it will continue to harm our democracy.

Impact on public voting :-

The effect of exposure to media and news is very high on political opinions of the people. Citizens learn about politics and government through watching television and reading newspapers .

Thus media sources influence the public through slant of particular reports as well as what they choose to cover.