Chapter 15; Media Effects & Chapter 16; Legal Controls... Friday, April 30th

Chapter 15: Media Effects

Questioning the Media

1.) What are your main concerns or criticisms about the state of media studies at your college or university?

I believe that the state of media studies here at Lenoir-Rhyne University are well operating and continue to grow in success as well as notoriety within Hickory as a community. Communications is one of the largest Majors at LR and it has increasingly grown larger over the years. There are a large amount of opportunities for internships, work study programs, and job experience within the communications field. My fear, however is that with the number of communications (media studies) Majors here at Lenoir-Rhyne, is that there will not be enough opportunity to go around. I wish to study in a big city for a semester or two someday, maybe even go over to a foreign country for study abroad. My fear is that there will not be room enough or funds enough for me. I believe that there is good diversity within our program here, from journalism, to broadcasting, to market research as well as media law... I have faith that the status of the media studies school at LR will only continue to grow and become more favorable with the students, as well as community surrounding our institution.

2.) One charge that has been leveled against a lot of media research--both the effects model and the cultural models--is that it has very little impact on changing our media institutions. Do you agree or disagree, and why?

I believe that our model, is more related to the "selective exposure and selective retention model" I do not believe that, like the Hypodermic Model suggests, the mass media is so powerful that it directly effects the "unsuspecting or weak audiences", also known as the bullet theory or direct effect model. Opposite to the Hypodermic Model, the Minimal Effect Model suggests, more believable than the bullet theory, media has limited effects on audiences, only reinforcing existing behaviors and audiences rather than changing them. I feel that the Selective Exposure and Retention Model relates better to the attitude of American government, and democracy.. that the media simply confirms values and attitudes the viewer already contains. There is also the Uses and Gratification Model, this argues that people use the media to satisfy various emotional desires or intellectual ones.. this includes in depth interviews and questionaries.

3.) Can you think of an issue that the media industry and academic researchers could study together? Explain.

I believe that the effect the media has on college students could be studied by both the media industry and academic researchers. An example of this could be an election or political issue in the media, as well as being covered in the classroom. As professors sometimes learn, in order for the younger generation to completely comprehend an idea or subject, the student has to see for themselves how they will be positively or negatively effected by it. This is where media industry would come in, by allowing the students to view an interview, debate or discussion with a certain political head, the student would be able to grasp the entire idea. The two groups could then be able to study the methods of teaching, and learning about an event very important to our democratic government.

Chapter 16: Legal Controls

Questioning the Media

1.) Have you ever had an experience in which you thought personal or public expression went too far and should be curbed? Explain. How might you remedy that situation?

While visiting the capital last semester, as our group stood outside the white house to take pictures, we were bombarded by this woman dressed in all white. She carried a microphone and posters and wore a large sandwich board containing falsified information about president Obama. She handed out pictures of the joker, from batman, except they adorned the face of the president; she then went on to explain how our president had lied and conned his way into the white house, that he was in face, a muslim, and he was planning to continue the was in Iraq, only he would aid the terrorists. This ignorant woman believed that she was protected by her right to free speech, symbolic, and protest.. but I believe that she was indeed guilty of spreading slanderous, and lible statements against the government. She was rude and walked strait up to citizens who were, and made it very obvious, there to support our new leader. I believe that her loud protesting interfered with the rights of others. I would have her removed then educated on the points she so ignorantly smudged.

2.) If you owned a community newspaper and had to formulate a policy for your editors about which letters from readers could appear in a limited space on your editorial page, what kinds of letters would you eliminate and why? Would you be acting as a censor in this situation? Why or why not?

If I owned my own newspaper and had to formulate a policy for my editors to which letters could appear on the editorial page, I would set up a committee of readers of different racial, political, and gender background to read the letters that were sent in by our readers in the community. Those letters deemed as extreme, degrading, or impaired the rights of others would be eliminated. I believe that censoring is a valid term, that refers to the protection of the rights of others, instead of impeding on them. I agree with censorship, if a person wishes to hear or read a radical view, they most likely know where to find them. I believe that the mass media should portray a more neutral view on situations regarding politics, specifically elections, in order to be more fair.

5.) What do you think of the current movie rating system? Should it be changed? why or why not?

I believe that the current movie rating system is valid because it allows theater companies to be creative, and artistic, while providing the public with guidelines so the decision making process is easier. In home with children, especially there is little room for a "bad" or "inappropriate" movie mistake. The rating system that is set in place now, allows the parent, or adult in charge, the ability to deem what is appropriate for their family, and what is not. By placing restrictions on ratings, and listing them, it allows a better peace of mind for those with families. I do not think it's necessary to change the rating system, as time goes on, the rating system changes on it's own to fit the values and morals of the generation at large at the time. While small changes are necessary for growth, a large change to our rating system, such as no rating system at all, could be detrimental to the population of viewing audiences.

Chapter 12: Public Relations and Framing the Message; Friday, April 2nd

QUESTIONING THE MEDIA

17.)What do you think of when you hear the term public relations? What images come to mind? Where did these impressions come from?

(response to question #17) 

The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) offers this simple and useful definition of PR: “Public relations helps an organization and its publics adapt mutually to each other.” To carry out this mutual communication process,the PR industry uses two approaches. First, there are independent PR agencies whose sole job is to provide clients with PR services. Second, most companies, which may or may not also hire the independent PR firms,maintain their own in-house PR staffs to handle routine tasks, such as writing press releases, managing various media requests, staging special events, and dealing with internal and external publics.When I hear the term "public relations" I think of, the relationship between the media, and the public. Or, in a simpler way, the media's way of relating to the public. News broadcasts, newspapers, and magazines come to mind when I think of Public relations. I believe that these images came from years of growing up watching the news, and TV and hearing the term over and over again. As well as my preconceived notions of the term; The term itself, "public relations" is pretty self explanatory. Other terms and images that come to mind, are promotion, event planning, and advertising. These terms, unlike the images I used before, represent the more personal field of public relations, for instance, being a personal assistant, an editor or a co-producer, or writer of a magazine could stem from this field. Overall, I believe that the term "public relations" is best understood through the advertising, and promotion, as well as event planning. 

18.)What might a college or university do to improve public relations with homeowners on the edge of a campus who have to deal with noisy student parties and a shortage of parking spaces?

(response to question #18) 

Im assuming that, most colleges, and or universities have to deal with this problem, or something similar. If I was the president of a college, or university and wished to improve relations with homeowners on the edge of campus who have to deal with noisy student parties and a shortage of parking spaces I would first, propose a meeting. Then, as a result of the meeting, and the interest it would provoke in the homeowners, as well as the students; I would propose a fundraiser, in order to raise money for an expansion on parking. Next, I would propose a second fundraiser for a separate building, or area on campus, away from the residents not affiliated with the school, for parties and other gatherings, to cut down on noise complaints. 

19.)What steps can reporters and editors take to monitor PR agents who manipulate the news media?

(response to question #19) 

Much of this antagonism, directed at public relations from the journalism profession, is historical. Journalists have long considered themselves part of a public service profession,but some regard PR as having emerged as a pseudo-profession created to distort the facts that reporters work hard to gather. Over time, reporters and editors developed the derogatory term flack to refer to a PR agent. The term, derived from the military word flak,meaning an antiaircraft artillery shell or a protective military jacket, symbolizes for journalists the protective barrier PR agents insert between their clients and the press.Today, the Associated Press manual for editors defines flack simply as “slang for press agent.” Yet this antagonism belies journalism’s dependence on public relations. Many editors, for instance, admit that more than half of their story ideas each day originate with PR people. In this section, we take a closer look at the relationship between journalism and public relations, which can be both adversarial and symbiotic.Another cause of tension is that PR firms often raid the ranks of reporting for new talent.Because most press releases are written to imitate news reports, the PR profession has always sought good writers who are well connected to sources and savvy about the news business. For instance, the fashion industry likes to hire former style or fashion news writers for its PR staff, and university information offices seek reporters who once covered higher education. However, although reporters frequently move into PR, public relations practitioners seldom move into journalism; the news profession rarely accepts prodigal sons or daughters back into the fold once they have left reporting for public relations.Nevertheless, the professions remain co-dependent: PR needs journalists for publicity, and journalism needs PR for story ideas and access.

Chapter 11; Advertising and Commercial Culture, Friday April 1st

Chapter Review 

Questioning the Media

18.)What is your earliest recollection of watching a television commercial? Do you have a favorite ad? A most-despised ad? What is it about these ads that you particularly like or dislike?

(response to question #18) 

My earliest recollection of watching a television commercial was, an old Coke add. My favorite commercials to this day are the Coke adds; the ones with the baby polar bear and the penguins. I like the older, classic adds. The most annoying commercials are the progressive insurance commercials with the ditzy girl.. she's annoying and I think they overplay the commercials. (I understand that they are payed for and allow progressive a certain amount of new business). The dialogue is cheesy and they repeat the same phrases over and over.. I know these commercials by heart, (maybe thats the point) I think they need to go ahead and write a new one. 

I think ht the ads that stick the best with the public are the ones that have less to say, and let the picture or scene speak for them. I think less is more, when talking about a commercial. They interrupt  your show already, lets just put a picture of whatever it is they are selling on the screen, and let us get back to our show (the reason the tv is on in the first place). 

19.)Why are so many people critical of advertising?

(response to question #19) 

I believe that, like me, most people find commercials an annoyance, just like a pop-up, or under add on the computer, the commercial is just an interruption of the show in progress. Most commercials are repetitive, too loud, contain a message for individuals older or younger than I am, repeat in rotation too many times, I mean, the list goes on and on. Commercials are a waist of time, they are stupid.  And by stupid, I mean why do they venture so far away from what advertising is supposed to do, which is increase the sales of the product or service it is advertising? How many times have you watched a commercial, and by the end of it still have no idea what it is trying to sell? Or the product is visible, but the ad does absolutely nothing to create a desire within you to go out and purchase it? I believe that if advertising agencies were more clear and strait to the point, people would be more apt to watch them instead of simply pressing the fast forward button on their DVR (thank god for that!). 

22.)Should tobacco (or alcohol) advertising be prohibited? Why or why not? How would you deal with First Amendment issues regarding controversial ads?

(response to question #22) 

I believe that tobacco and alcohol advertising should be allowed in certain time slots on television, as well as in theaters. If ads that contain material such as male enhancement, birth control, personal lubricant, and condoms are allowed on regular, prime-time TV, as well as in theaters and billboards, why is there such a restriction on the advertising of tobacco, and alcohol? If these sexually charged commercials are protected under the first amendment, then why aren't cigarettes and booze? I get more uncomfortable watching TV with my parents or guy friends when an add for viagra comes on, than I ever would for an add for Newport's or Vodka. I believe that the rights of the tobacco and alcohol companies are protected under the first amendment; while the amendment states: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. The rights of the tobacco industry have been revoked. Tobacco companies are no longer allowed to advertise on television, or at the movies. While it has been proven that in some cases smoke inhalation can cause cancer, It is a persons right to chose to smoke, or not to smoke. I believe that if the adds of the condom, male enhancement industry, are viewed as acceptable, then I dont see a problem with cigarette, and alcohol companies advertising their products on television. 

Friday, March 25th Chapters 9&10

Chapter 9: Magazines in the Age of Specialization 

Questioning the media: 

15.What are your earliest recollections of magazines? Which magazines do you read regularly today? Why?

(response to question #15)

My earliest recollections of magazines are, reading the National Geographic with my mom and brother. These magazines shed light on science and history in a way that was interesting for children and families. From a very young age I have been very interested in reading, writing, animals, and history. The National Geographic became a large part of our lives. The magazine came about once every month and it was like Christmas when it came. I remember the pictures and stories, about places, people, and animals I had never seen or imagined before. This magazine became my favorite book, TV show, and song. The National Geographic was everything I could ever imagine, I wanted to travel to the beautiful places depicted in its glossy pages... I wanted to meet the people. These dreams, are still my dream. My love for magazines has continued to my high school, and college years. The National Geographic is still my favorite magazine (along with people, vogue, and cosmo). I dream of becoming one of those journalists writing for the National Geographic. I want to travel, and write about the people and places I see and meet. All of this, derived from my love of the National Geographic. 

16.)What role did magazines play in America’s political and social shift from being colonies of Great Britain to becoming an independent nation?

(response to question #16) 

The "catalogues" of 17th century France were the first citing of magazines; while this form was usually only written for the rich and upstanding citizens in a certain community. Yet with the rise of magazines-collections of articles, stories, and advertisements, people in (later) colonial America were able to share opinions and messages from one city or state to another. With the end of the revolutionary war, came new freedoms; one of these freedoms being, a more (democratic) form of journalism, and news. Citizens of this newly independent nation were now able to form their own opinions without threat of great persecution. Prior to slavery and the civil war, magazines were a place for people to learn news and share opinions freely with one another. All through American history, magazines, and newspapers have become a place of shock, and information, a place where the American people are able to learn about wars and other issues pertaining to them. While battling slavery, magazines became a place where the north could view the south for what it really was. Before news was shared by mouth alone, but now, this tragedy could no longer be sugar coated by sly words and polite smiles. People say that a picture is worth a thousand words, and I believe this to be true. Some pictures, however, are worth much more. 

18.)If you were the marketing director of your favorite magazine, how would you increase circulation?

(response to question #18) 

If I was marketing director of The National Geographic, I would continue to publish stories about ancient cities, and jungles untouched by human hands; I would strive to maintain the explorers spirit, and the tradition of the magazine, building on its reputation as an intelligent, exciting read. All this, while introducing new and interesting ideas on history and places not able to be explored by the average person. By introducing  younger writers, and documentaries that correspond to that months edition, this would add more media to back up the magazine. Polls and surveys could be conducted by our writers of Americas youth, in order to find out places they would like to travel to. I believe this would better involve people in the exploring experience, as well as circulation of the magazine. 

Chapter 10: Books and the Power of Print 

Questioning the Media:

19.)What are your earliest recollections of books? Do you read for pleasure? If yes, what kinds of books do you enjoy? Why? 

(response to question #19)

One of my earliest recollections of books are the Nancy Drew, and Hardy Boys mystery series'. My grandmother would read my brother and I these stories at her house when we were very young. I enjoyed these stories because there was a plot that could keep me interested and there was a great explanation and ending. I also recall, from an earlier point in my life, Stella Moon, Are you my Mother?, You are special, and Curious George. These books are very special to me to this day, they were read to me by my mother and father before I turned one. After several years I have been able to retrieve most of these beautifully written stories; they have greatly contributed to my desire to become a writer. I still do enjoy reading for pleasure, as well as when assigned reading for class. I love to read mysteries, both fact and fiction, I like books based on historical events, as well as love stories imagined by authors such as Nicholas Sparks.  I believe that reading enriches life, there is more to be gained by reading about an event or story, than just simply listening to it (this way, our own opinions can be formed instead of being forced to share those of others). 

21.)If you were opening an independent bookstore in a town with a chain store, such as a Barnes & Noble, how would you compete?

(response to question #21) 

If I were to open an independent bookstore in a town with a chain store, such as Branes & Nobel, I would compete for customers by arranging more frequent book-signings and guest appearances by authors both well known, and newly published. I believe that by having a greater number of author appearances, and book signings, my store would be more successful than the larger chain. Many times I have found that while the smaller stores in town may not have the business in numbers, that the larger chains do, the smaller stores are more specialized and have a more regular flow of loyal customers.  By allowing for the opinions and suggestions of my customers, for new books and other media, I will be able to maintain that regular flow of customers. As well as contributing to the actual material offered in my store, I would offer my customers the option of settings and seating options that best suit them, as well as a free wireless connection and quiet room for any students in the area. I would also offer coffee and snacks on the house, I believe that by offering free incentives and gifts, my amount of return customers would grow; balancing the amount spent (for me) on coffee and concessions. I believe that by adding a personal touch, my small store would be able to thrive on the forsaken customers of the larger chain bookstore. 

22.)Imagine that you are on a committee that oversees book choices for a high school library in your town. What policies do you think should guide the committee’s selection of controversial books?

(response to question #22)

If I was on a committee thats purpose was to oversee book choices for a high school library in my town; I would set up another committee separate from any other group at the school. Their only purpose would be, like a book club, to read books and write summaries and reports on them, pertaining to how those books could aid a certain class. The group I put together would be contained of teachers from schools within the district of mine. I believe that the policies that would guide the committee's selection of controversial books, should be that exactly, controversial. I believe that high school is the best place to equip students with the knowledge of controversial novels and other media. In both high school, and college, I have had the pleasure of reading books such as  "The Scarlet Letter" and "Uncle Tom's Cabin", these novels enriched my learning experience by shedding light on a community that was kept in ignorance by a group in power. These books were considered controversial because they allowed people to become informed and encouraged them to form their own opinions. 

Friday, March 5th (Chapter 8: The Rise and Decline of Journalism)

18.What kinds of stories, topics, or issues are not being covered well by mainstream papers?

(response to question #18)

Stories, topics, and issues that sometimes get overshadowed by larger issues in todays news by larger, mainstream newspapers are, stories about "the local hero". These stories are about that local baseball team in some quaint town with all the odds against them; they still manage to pull out that victory against the rich team with all the recruits, and their star father-coaches who could have played in the majors once. These stories are of the moral likeness of Leave it to beaver, The Brady Bunch, and The Cosby Show.  Classic American shows that inspired a nation and reflected the good, wholesome values of the hardest working generation. I believe that the positive occurrences of the world are overshadowed by the negative; If the news was able to shed equal light, while still informing the nation of events taking place in other countries: war, natural disasters, famine, poverty... While these stories are important, and should be acted upon, I believe that the U.S. is in great need of some inner rebirth. 

19.Why do you think people aren’t reading U.S. daily newspapers as frequently as they once did? Why is newspaper readership going up in other countries?

(response to question #19) 

I believe that the technology advance in the U.S. forces its citizens to achieve information faster than any other nation; the hunger for news has erupted in the states and it has become easier now, than ever to get the latest news with just the push of a button. Newspapers in other countries are now hitting their peak, the same peak they have passed in the U.S. The ability to achieve information, now, all over the world have become a necessity in social and economic growth. 

22.Will blogs and other Internet news services eventually replace newspapers? Explain your response.

(response to question #22) 

The new century has seen the emergence of technologies that allow the public to bypass the traditional mass media for access to news, to comment in real time on emerging news stories, or to report their own news information. Most significant is probably the Weblog, or 'blog', a reverse chronological order list of the writings of an individual or group. Other technologies have also risen, that I believe have had an effect on the newspaper as well as blogging. However, I do not believe that the printed paper will ever be replaced. The newspaper is part of an American tradition, its freedom of speech... The newspaper is woven into American culture. Sons and daughters have grown up for generations watching their fathers and mothers read the paper with breakfast, or on the bus, or at work... I don't believe that this tradition will ever be washed away; no matter the technical advance, the newspaper is practical, reliable, and resourceful. There will always be a need for printed news. 

Chapter 7; Friday, February 26th (movies: questioning the media)

1.) Describe your earliest memory of going to a movie. Do some research and compare this with a parent's or grandparent's earliest memory. Compare the different experience. 

(response to question #1) 

My earliest memory of going to a movie is, going with my mom and little brother to see A Bugs Life at the Carmike movie theater. My mothers greatest movie memory, is The Wizard of OZ. She recalls average black and white film, the type she had been used to since she was a little girl. The brilliant colors of "OZ" amazed her and the movie became a Thanksgiving day tradition in her family for as long as she can remember. Every Thanksgiving my mother, my brother and I sit down together and watch The Wizard of OZ. My experience with my first movie was in a theater, watching an animated film filled with color with my mom and brother, my mothers experience with movies were black and white, and then, in color, on a sofa with her family at home. Both of our experiences were with family. 

2.) Do you remember seeing a movie you were not allowed to watch? Discuss the experience

(response to question #2) 

Yes. I remember being at a friends house for a sleepover, when I was in middle school. My mother isn't the strictest parent but when she does have rules, she enforces them, and expects them to be respected and followed. Meanwhile, my friend informed me that she had a movie called Water Boy with Adam Sandler, I remembered my mom telling me specifically that this movie was "not for children's eyes" and a "grown up movie." So, I did what any middle schooler would do... I watched the movie. I remember, that I was not impressed. I remember being let down, this was something that I took a chance on. I could have gotten In trouble with her. Its was a silly movie that didn't even make since to me then. I look back and laugh, and after telling my mom about my experience several years ago, she laughed. Water Boy certainly never made it to the "Top Ten" list of 2000, let alone any year. 

3.) How often do you go to the movie theaters today? How often do you play DVD's on a T.V. at home, or watch movies on a computer? Which experience do you prefer and why?

(response to question #3)

Attending the movies is a special occasion, usually on a date, or with friends, and family. This treat usually occurs once a month, maybe more often if I'm lucky. I play DVD's on the T.V. at home, more often than I go to the movies, it is more convenient and comfortable; as well as more affordable, viewing movies at home becomes a theme, movie nights bring the family and friends close together and make it possible to share an experience... the movie can be paused for snack, and bathroom breaks. There is also a greater choice... old classics, or new releases, the group is able to make their own decisions. I prefer to watch movies at home. While, going out to the movies is a treat, the comfort and convenience of a home movie wins every time. 

Chapter 6; Cable: A Wire versus Wireless World (Friday, February 19th

16.How many cable channels do you watch regularly? What programs do you watch?What attracts you to a certain channel?

(response to question #16) 

On the average I watch about 8 channels regularly. I usually watch the Discovery, History, MTV, VH1, ABC, A&E, HBO, and the Food Network channels. The story line and currently running shows attract me to the programs. The Discovery and History channels are informational and interesting. MTV and Vh1 are attractive to my age group because they contain shows like real world, and taking the stage; these shows are younger and involve situations that occur in our lives. And lastly ABC, HBO, A&E, and the Food Network are attractive to me because the material is entertaining and can hold my attention. 

17.If you controlled a cable public-access channel in your community, what would be your channel’s goal? What could we do to make public-, government-, or educational-access programming more appealing? Should we?

(response to question #17) 

If I controlled my own cable public-access channel in my community, I would set a goal to both be educational, as well as entertaining. I would host shows that were appropriate for a large range of age groups, and encouraged family viewing. I believe that public, government, and educational-access programing could be made more appealing by broadening the plot; People aren't going to tune in to an info-mercial... so I think that by putting some time and effort in to a few reoccurring plots and characters, the informational industry could become more lucrative. 

19.CNN and MTV have changed our society as well as the global culture. Have these changes been positive or negative? Explain.

(response to question #19) 

I believe that by broadcasting information of any kind by a television company, there is a gain to be had by a community. CNN and MTV both broadcast information that the average american (or non-american) could not receive on their own. While some could argue that in some cases, MTV should be censored more by the producers and simply allow "young people" to get ideas about things they have not yet experienced themselves. But I believe those people are the same people that try to hold information back due to the fear of knowledge. Ignorance is bliss, knowledge is power. When a population of people are unable to receive information they are ignorant and are easily controlled. It is true that with knowledge comes great responsibility and with the expansion of MTV, and CNN the knowledge of lands and people far away from the U.S. can be gained by simply turning on the TV. I believe that the sometimes "controversial" topics covered on these channels are necessary in the education of young people all over.