1. THIS MORNING:
1. Summary of news coverage and its effects.
2. Explanations of coverage.



2. SUMMARY OF THE MAIN ARGUMENT:
1. What it means to be informed or enlightened.
2. Individual and institutional responsibilities.
3. Is there a conflict between public needs in a democracy and private ownership and management of media?



3. SUMMARY OF CHARACTERISTICS OF NEWS PRESENTATION:
1. Here are some generalizations.
1. Government point of view
2. Personalization

1. Fragmentation
2. Drama
1. CBS introduction, "table of contents," anchor setting, music
2. Choice of stories

1. Politics over substance
2. Remoteness
1. The coverage of elections
1. Horse races and handicapping.
2. See the essay on the web site.
2. Manipulation of news by campaigns, politicians, and office holders.

1. The consequences:
1. Mystification, confusion
2. Apathy and disinterest
3. Quiescence
4. More sterile coverage.
5. The media do not misinform so much as not inform citizens; but lack of information becomes a variety of misinformation.



1. EXPLANATIONS:
1. Economic constraints or imperatives.
1. What can profitably covered affects choice of stories,
2. Networks and affiliates
1. Competition for audience flow
3. Beliefs and anticipations about audience preferences.
4. Space and content considerations
2. Organizational factors.
1. Parachute journalism and "stringers"
2. Journalists versus reporters
1. Reportorial skills and policy knowledge
2. "Cooptation"
3. Watergate and All the President's Men
4. Iran-contra



2. NEXT TIME:
1. First test
2. Reading:
1. Review your notes including material not explicitly itemized but which was discussed in class.
2. See previous notes for section of Squire and others, Dynamics of Democracy that are important.
3. The test will cover the essays on the web site.
4. Heilbroner and Bernstein, The Debt and Deficits

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