Media effects on daily life and worldview

¶ … media is having on political issues and society. This is accomplished by studying Fox News and how they are influencing viewers based on the content that is presented. Once this occurs, is when we can see how these organizations have the ability to affect the public debate and outcome of elections.

Over the last several years, the news media has been playing an increasingly important role in determining how a host of issues are discussed. Part of the reason for this, is because the content and guests will have an influence on the public's perception surrounding how they are viewing these events. Once this occurs, is when there will be transformation in the way everyone is looking at different topics that are being discussed.

In the case of Fox News, they have taken a more conservative approach when it comes to these issues and the way they presented. As the network, is discussing various political ideas from a more conservative point-of-view. This has influenced how the public is supporting different policies and ideas that are presented. A good example of this can be seen with a study that was conducted by the National Bureau of Economic Research. They found that Fox News was able to influence voter perceptions during an election by 3 to 8%. (Vigna, 2006) This is significant, because in close elections this can tilt the balance in favor of more conservative candidates. To fully understand the impact of Fox News requires looking at: how they are affecting daily life and what has been gained or lost based upon these views that are presented. Once this occurs, is when we will be able to see the overall impact of Fox News on public opinion.

How does media impact our daily lives, our understanding of the world, and our relation with ourselves and others?

The way that Fox News is impacting our daily lives is based upon the kinds of coverage on different issues. This is accomplished through focusing on more conservative topics and having these kinds of guests on a regular basis. Once this takes place, it gives the appearance as if they are taking a more mainstream approach. When in reality, they are talking about specific topics that are very controversial and selecting panelists that support this basic ideology.

A good example of this can be seen with recent broadcast on one of the networks more popular show called the O' Reilly Factor (which is hosted by conservative commentator Bill O'Reilly). During a recent broadcast there was a general piece of news released by the Toronto Zoo. That they were separating two gay penguins from each other (named Buddy and Pedro). What was happening is zoo officials were concerned about breeding and they wanted to ensure that the males were able to successfully mate with the females. The reason why, is because penguins are becoming extinct and it is difficult for them to breed in captivity. On the surface this was supposed to be a non-news related announcement. (Volsky, 2011)

However, once O' Reilly was able to obtain this information, he turned the story into a segment that questioned zoo officials' judgment. This was accomplished by having Dennis Miller talk about what was happening. Miller is a former standup comedian who supports conservative issues. As he claims that he is moderate on variety of social and economic topics. During the broadcast both berated this decision. Evidence of this can be seen by looking no further than comments that were made by Dennis Miller during an exchange with O'Reilly. As Miller poked fun at this issue by saying, "Has anyone seen papers on Pedro, is he even here legally? How do you even know when a penguin is gay? Is their corner of the penguin habitat inordinately tasteful? O' Reilly responded by saying, "They wear tight T-shirts!" (Volsky, 2011) This is significant, because gay rights are a liberal issue. When O'Reilly and Miller are making fun of the fact that these penguins are gay is an indication that they are supporting and promoting more conservative views on the air. Once this occurs, it means that these opinions are presented as actual facts. When in reality, they are politically motivated ideas that are questioning the judgment of zoo officials and the liberal wing of the Democratic Party (by making them appear to be out of touch). (Volsky, 2011)

This is significant, because these kinds of views will have many different effects on how the public is looking at a host of political issues. Once this occurs, it means that there will be a backlash against anyone who is considered to be more liberal and supporting these views. This can tilt elections in favor of various political candidates that are supporting these ideas. At the same time, there is shift in how the public is looking at these issues. Over the course of time, this can encourage more conservative groups to become emboldened by what they are seeing. This is when the political rhetoric will become more confrontational. (Volsky, 2011) At which point, the public will take more conservative views in understanding the world around them and their relationship with others they meet on a regular basis.

What is lost or gained from the use of media?

The more conservative views that are being presented, means that most people who are watching Fox News will be slowly influenced by these ideas. This is because executives at the network will claim that their competitors are taking more liberal viewpoints when it comes to coverage on a host of issues. As a result, Fox News has adopted the saying, "Fair and balanced." When in reality, they are supporting conservative ideas and highlighting how liberals are out of touch with what is happening. (Morin, 2006)