Effects of News Media: Analysis of The Onion

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Effects of News Media

Imagining I am a news editor, I will respond to an online discussion thread regarding how information media has affected American culture.

Does the information media have social responsibility? If yes, in what ways? If not, why not?

Stemming back from our Founding Fathers, the news media was deemed the fourth branch of the government. This allowed journalists to report freely without government censorship. Hence, freedom of the press. From this, the press would be able to fulfill a role which reported news or findings to the public who are governed, instead of the ones who govern us reporting the information as they chose fit. From this, the press has been able to hold people and officials accountable. Society has relied on the news to watch over, explore, and explain the elements within civilization. And since the definition of social responsibility according to Business Dictionary (2019) is “the obligation of an organization’s management towards the welfare and interests of the society in which it operates” – yes, information media has a social responsibility. It is clearly the only reason of existence.

What is the role of the information and news media in the shaping of political opinions?

The role of the information the news media presents towards the public is to sway people’s views, beliefs, and behavior to conform to an ideal that another stands for. This stance may come from an entire political party, people campaigning, or people supporting. It is delivered as energetic and seems to continue towards the idea of reading a novel. The role of the news media is the channel this type of narrative information is distributed.

Although the information may be compelling at times, it can shape pollical opinions and create hysteria among citizens towards each other. Consider the amount of negative backlash Trump received from the media before the 2016 election. Voters were confused when he won. This type of example can create serious concerns for politics because the American people will feel as they have been undermined.

How have electronic media and their convergence transformed journalism and news consumption?

Well, as technology has increased – so have news media business practices. Electronic media has transformed journalism to the level of reporters being able to find vast amounts of fact-based information more than ever before. However, since this information is readily available to most people in society – they consume more from other outlets in order to fact-find themselves. So, since there are so many outlets, less people might be informed appropriately. This is where creators or journalists might feel the need to create dynamic titles, or clickbait, in order to draw consumers in so they know they will be listened to. Of course, this sadly can also be based on financial aspects if running a large news network or if someone is an independent journalist. Meaning, that reporters might create content based on what people want to know compared to what they need to know. This to me, is unfortunately the definition of electronic media and the convergence on journalism and consumer consumption.

How are standards in journalism still relevant and important in today’s media, opinion, and the media-saturated world?

First, it is important to understand what the word relevant means. Meriam-Webster (2019) defines “relevant” as: “having a significant and demonstrable bearing on the matter at hand, affording evidence tending to prove or disprove the matter at issue or under discussion, having social relevance.”

Although today’s media is saturated with truths and untruths, the press still has a social responsibility. Journalism reports about the operations and interests of everyday people among society. Mind you, not all operations or interests are covered, and …. some of the outlets do not conduct a truthful representation to society. But, regardless, the standards in journalism regarding today’s reporting are still valuable. Beyond the untruths, journalism can be a powerful learning tool to those in society if they are conscious enough to use it wisely.

What role does satire have in the news today? How have programs and websites such as The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, and The Onion provided a separate space for commentary on the news and news providers?

Satire can be used for many reasons (Comic, 2019). Although satire might be the best fitting in awkward situations to remedy it, it does still show a reflection towards what it wants someone to believe. Essentially, I think the role of satire used in news today originates from an overall confusion, or difficult situations and critiques it in a way that is soothing and entertaining.

In regard to providing a separate space from The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, and The Onion – I believe these outlets most certainly provide their own separate space. Meaning, that I believe these media platforms confuse people in many ways. One example I will give is on The Onion. Years ago, I read an article form the Onion. I had never heard of them before. After reading the article, I went to Facebook and posted about what I had read. Very quickly the comments started. I then did my research and felt like the biggest idiot. However, I will say that reading that article years ago taught me a valuable lesson and jump-started my thorough investigations to this day on topics.

References

Business Dictionary. (2019). Social responsibility. Retrieved from http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/socia l-responsibility.html.
Comic, M. (2019). Why do satirical news sites matter for society? Retrieved from https://contentinsights.com/satirical-news/
DECLERCQ, D. I. E. T. E. R. (2018). A Definition of Satire (And Why a Definition Matters). Journal of Aesthetics & Art Criticism, 76(3), 319–330. https://doi.org/10.1111/jaac.12563
Merriam-Webster. (2019). Definition of relevant. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relevant

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