7.4 The relationship between television and political power

Television wields immense power in shaping political landscapes. It frames issues, sets agendas, and influences public perception through news coverage, debates, and advertising. Politicians leverage TV to communicate directly with voters and sway opinions.

Beyond campaigns, TV plays a crucial role in political accountability. Investigative journalism uncovers scandals, fact-checking segments hold leaders accountable, and live coverage of hearings increases transparency. Media ownership structures also impact the relationship between television and political power.

Television's Influence on Politics

Media Framing and Agenda-Setting

Top images from around the web for Media Framing and Agenda-Setting

• 

  Technologies of Public Communication | Public Speaking View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Everything you need to know about political ads : Sunlight Foundation View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Framing and Agenda-setting in Russian News: a Computational Analysis of Intricate Political ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Technologies of Public Communication | Public Speaking View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Everything you need to know about political ads : Sunlight Foundation View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Media Framing and Agenda-Setting

• 

  Technologies of Public Communication | Public Speaking View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Everything you need to know about political ads : Sunlight Foundation View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Framing and Agenda-setting in Russian News: a Computational Analysis of Intricate Political ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Technologies of Public Communication | Public Speaking View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Everything you need to know about political ads : Sunlight Foundation View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Political actors shape public perception through carefully crafted messages and visual imagery on television
• Media framing presents issues aligned with political agendas influencing viewers' interpretations of events
• Agenda-setting in television news coverage influences which political issues are perceived as most important by the public
• Politicians employ media consultants and communication strategists to optimize their television presence for maximum impact
• Spin in political communication creates favorable interpretations of events or policies for particular actors or parties

Direct Communication and Advertising

• Television appearances (interviews, debates, speeches) allow politicians to directly communicate with the public
• Political figures establish personal connections with viewers through televised appearances
• Political advertising on television plays a crucial role in campaign strategies
• Emotional appeals and targeted messaging in TV ads sway voter opinions
• The "air war" in political campaigns uses television advertising to reach and persuade voters on a mass scale

Television in Political Campaigns

Debates and News Coverage

• Television debates provide candidates with a platform to directly compare positions and personalities
• Debates have become a cornerstone of modern political campaigns
• Television news coverage significantly influences public perception of candidates
• Selection and framing of stories shape voter perceptions
• "Horse race" coverage focuses on polling data and campaign strategy
• Horse race reporting shapes perceptions of candidates' viability and momentum
• 24-hour cable news networks provide continuous analysis and commentary on the election process

Voter Mobilization and Campaign Dynamics

• Television's wide reach makes it a critical tool for voter mobilization efforts
• Get-out-the-vote campaigns utilize television to encourage voter participation
• The "October surprise" phenomenon in televised political coverage can significantly impact election outcomes
• Television's ability to rapidly disseminate breaking news can alter campaign dynamics (WikiLeaks email releases in 2016)
• Televised town halls and candidate forums allow for direct voter-candidate interaction

Television's Accountability Power

Investigative Journalism and Transparency

• Television plays a crucial role in uncovering political scandals through investigative journalism
• The "Fourth Estate" concept positions TV news as a government watchdog
• Visual nature of television allows for impactful presentation of evidence in political investigations
• Live coverage of congressional hearings increases transparency and public scrutiny (Watergate hearings)
• The "CNN effect" describes television's potential to influence foreign policy decisions (Somalia intervention in 1992)

Fact-Checking and Whistleblowing

• Television amplifies whistleblower accounts and leaked information (Edward Snowden's NSA revelations)
• Fact-checking segments on TV news programs hold political leaders accountable for accuracy
• Television interviews can expose inconsistencies in politicians' statements
• Investigative documentaries provide in-depth examination of political issues (Fahrenheit 9/11)
• TV news analysis programs dissect and critique political speeches and policy announcements

Media Ownership vs Political Power

Corporate Influence and Regulation

• Media consolidation influences the diversity and independence of political coverage on television
• Large corporate ownership can shape TV content to align with dominant political and economic interests
• Government regulations on media ownership impact the relationship between TV networks and political power
• FCC rules in the United States limit the number of TV stations a single entity can own
• The "revolving door" between media executives and government officials creates potential conflicts of interest

Alternative Models and Emerging Platforms

• Public broadcasting systems present a different ownership model affecting political coverage
• Government funding or license fees support public broadcasters (BBC, PBS)
• Advertising revenue influence on TV networks can impact editorial decisions and political issue framing
• Emergence of streaming services challenges traditional media ownership structures (Netflix producing political documentaries)
• Social media platforms integrate with television coverage, altering political communication dynamics
• Citizen journalism and user-generated content provide alternative perspectives on political events