Monday, November 28, 2011

Module 14 10 Election Things You Need to Know/ What did you learn that you valued the most?

1. Learn to identify the different types of bias and agenda’s that our media exposes.
2. Learn how to weed out the BS from the actual facts based on events being delivered by media.
3. Understand that media can expose politicians in both a negative way and positive way.
4. Understand that media can keep politicians liable on their objectives.
5. There is an agenda when it comes to politics. Pay attention to each politician and do not let the media influence you with their agendas. At the same time use the media for the fact that they have the power to keep politicians liable for their actions and obligations. Media will expose the character of politicians.
6. Being president involves many people who provide specific roles. It takes a successful team to address all of the important needs that the United States require out of the president.
7. “There is more to the story” Use the tools such as books, new media, etc. to get the details. Tweeter, bloggers, internet, mobile internet, television, radio, participation in events, etc can all contribute to society in terms of making a difference.
8. Herman Cain’s 9-9-9 plan is weak and does not help our citizens. The plan contradicts it-self and removes taxes from one area (federal) and creates taxes in another area (state).
9. Hillary Clinton is a very intelligent person who was overshadowed by another president (Obama) because of his charismatic delivery of information, youthfulness, and creativity to appeal to the people. They both however are people leaders I admire.
10. Pay attention to 2011; much of the important events take place prior to the actual elections. 2012 elections will be interesting.




Learning about types of bias and agendas that media deliver to the audience/viewers is what I value the most. Society relies on mass media to keep up with current events in which help people develop opinions and make important decisions that impact their daily life. Knowing that information can be shared with the agenda to influence or encourage people to think a certain way definitely prepares me as a viewer when obtaining information on daily events through such media channels.

Media surprised me in terms of how much of an impact they play for and against politicians. Media has definitely made its presence felt in current events; however politics is heavily affected by media. It was really interesting to learn how both media and politics work hand and hand for the benefit and appeal of voters.

Overall I feel that politics is not as complicated as I thought. Based on media, I never really trusted the information that was being delivered. Politics can be very interesting and I feel that this course encouraged me to look more into events and politicians. Accessing multiple media channels will give me a bigger look into politics and help me to see information from different perspectives. The more views on events, the better I can create an opinion about politicians and important decisions.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Module 13 - State of the News Media

I personally like Jon Stewart for his political humor and ability to keep the media on their toes regarding their agendas when reporting news. Based on Jon Stewarts success, Fox news shows their interest in defending themselves and addressing Jon Stewart’s opinions about media agenda. However after listening to the interview; it’s interesting how Fox news does not deny their agenda as being conservative bias. The interview was very heated but professional at the same time. Overall, the interview revealed Fox news attempting to bash Jon Stewart versus defending their media agenda. Fox news tries to put both Jon Stewart and MSNBC on blast for being liberal bias and setting themselves as equals to all other media agendas.

I believe that Jon Stewart appeals to the audience’s political opinions from a comical perspective. Like most U.S. citizens, Jon Stewart does have a political stand and it may show a form of influence, but he is nowhere close to comparison to Fox News in terms to political position in media. Fox news even confirms their conservative position in the interview by pointing out how Jon attacks Republicans and how unethical Comedy Central is.

Debates are very significant due to the fact that such debates give the viewers the opportunity to develop an opinion about each candidate through their performance. Debates allow us to see candidates at work, how knowledgeable, how confident, and how charismatic they are in terms of delivery and vision. I agree with Mrs. Bachmann’s campaign about the media elites attempting to manipulate the republican debates. It makes sense that liberal media elites would try to push for a republican candidate that would serve as no threat to the democratic competitor.

Rick Perry’s mistake is a common human error as explained in the article; however viewers use these types of events to develop an opinion about the candidate. Common human errors may hurt a candidate’s image for the time being; but over time and with additional exposures and events, candidate can make up their mistakes. Also media can play a major role by manipulating the audience and pointing out each candidate’s human error to serve an agenda. Rick Perry’s mistake was very significant in this case based on the highly viewed event.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Module 12 - State of the News Media

Well when you have money and power; any threat to your success can bring out a sense of paranoia. In a sense, Nixon’s paranoia was justified because he was indeed guilty of wrong doing and the media was on to him. If Nixon was exposed by the media, then he would lose his money and power; therefore it makes sense.

Pierson and Anderson were out to get Nixon for his corruption with money. They knew Nixon was utilizing a slush fund account and being unethical with his political status. The press made multiple attempts to expose Richard Nixon, and continued their efforts even when they looked bad doing it. Journalist such as Pierson and Anderson did create a perception with Nixon that they were out for him. The pressure of exposing Nixon made sense because he was guilty for his actions; but assassination of Anderson by Nixon really caught my surprise. I knew that Political power can threaten people, but not by Mafia-style hits and assassinations.

I wouldn’t put it behind me in terms of powerful people involving themselves with tactics to silence people or with covering up scandals; however ordering assassinations and mob hits does not seem practical to me in this day and age. Technically it can be done, but there are too many other ways to get a point across then to result in organized murders.

After viewing the chart from source SNL Kagen; it made good sense that cable news total revenue dropped over the years. Personally I feel education about the bias and delivery of information has created a bad reputation with voters and audience. Growing up, I learned how media could create drama and create a perception amongst the viewers; therefore I was always skeptical about certain cable channels for getting my news. However I see improvements and I feel that cable channels will survive in the future. This type of media provides visuals to the audience and personally cable channels and television make it convenient and easier for people to keep up with political and current events on a daily basis.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Election Coverage (continued)

I think the Herman Cain ad was crazy because it’s does not address all the voters. Smoking is a touchy subject and to try to appeal to the hard worker, common Americans and those voices that have not been heard is a big cost to other voters who do not relate to the smoking portion of the ad. Smoking a cigarette and blowing smoke into the camera really made a bad perception to critics who could point in using a threatening product that affects the lives of so many to contribute to the ad. Blowing smoke into the camera was like blowing smoke at America. Herman Cain’s grin was way too comical. “Bad Ad to my opinion.”
The early polling numbers do matter because it tells candidates who is their biggest threats and where the voters stand currently. Media plays a big role for the presidential race and polls indicate whose names are favored by voters. Personally I am shocked that Herman Cain is standing so strong as of today. Cain is an outspoken person who really does not have a care or respect to the people he attacks; such as Black Americans. His 999 plan is heavily criticized and I feel that the perception in society is that Herman Cain is a joke. The polls tell a different story on the contrary. “Interesting!” I am very excited to see Obama on top of the game after dealing with so heat from both critics and voters. There are still followers that have faith in their current president.
I feel that big endorsements or endorsements from the media are extremely important. The more money a campaign has the more they can promote and reach the voters. With backing from media and political newspapers, a candidate can really pull away from the rest of the competition.

Monday, October 31, 2011

Election Coverage & Political Ads (cont'd)

My favorit political Ads:

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2011/06/27/dinner_with_obama_now_includes_joe_biden.html

This short video for Obama’s campaign 2012 was promoting his raffle for a dinner with both Barack Obama and Joe Bidden (vice president). This video was significant because it stirred up controversy about violating the Federal Election Laws and FEC campaign finance laws. A presidential spokesman said that the video does not constitute fundraising under the law, that portions of the White House can legally be used for that purpose anyway, and that previous presidents have done so. There is one problem, however. This campaign ad was most likely recorded in the White House, which may have violated FEC campaign finance laws.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26852192/vp/45027940#45027940

The Chief of staff for Herman Cain conducts an ad where he smokes a cigarette at the end of the video; blowing smoke into the camera. The video ends with Herman Cain grinning. This video is interpreted by some that the Chief of staff is blowing smoke on America. It’s really doesn’t make sense to me, but it does compliment Herman Cain’s presence into the 2012 campaign.



Headline news story of the day or week related to the 2012 Election Coverage: Herman Cain


1) MSNBC: Cain denies report of sexual harassment
Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain's campaign denied allegations Sunday that he was twice accused of sexual harassment while he was the head of the National Restaurant Association in the 1990s.
The report said the women signed agreements with the restaurant group that gave them five-figure financial payouts to leave the association and barred them from discussing their departures. Neither woman was identified.
The report was based on anonymous sources and, in one case, what the publication said was a review of documentation that described the allegations and the resolution.
This article is straight to the point and holds no position to the story.


2) : Fox news: “Cain Rejects Report of Inappropriate Behavior “

Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain's campaign denied allegations Sunday that he was twice accused of sexual harassment while he was the head of the National Restaurant Association in the 1990s.

The report said the women signed agreements with the restaurant group that gave them five-figure financial payouts to leave the association and barred them from discussing their departures. Neither woman was identified.
The report was based on anonymous sources and, in one case, what the publication said was a review of documentation that described the allegations and the resolution.

This article goes on to elaborate on how unfair attacks have been made on Herman Cain.

Cain's campaign told the AP that the allegations were not true, and amounted to unfair attacks.
"Inside-the-Beltway media have begun to launch unsubstantiated personal attacks on Cain," spokesman J.D. Gordon said in a written statement. "Dredging up thinly sourced allegations stemming from Mr. Cain's tenure as the chief executive officer at the National Restaurant Association in the 1990s, political trade press are now casting aspersions on his character and spreading rumors that never stood up to the facts."


3) : CNN Politics: Cain presidential campaign fires back after report alleges inappropriate behavior
(CNN) - The campaign of presidential candidate Herman Cain has criticized a news report alleging that Cain displayed inappropriate behavior to two female employees in the 1990s, saying the news media has started "to launch unsubstantiated personal attacks on Cain."
At least two female employees of the National Restaurant Association complained of inappropriate behavior from Cain when he led the organization, POLITICO reported Sunday night.
Cain's campaign was quick to respond.
"Since Washington establishment critics haven't had much luck in attacking Mr. Cain's ideas to fix a bad economy and create jobs, they are trying to attack him in any way they can," said J.D. Gordon, Cain's campaign vice president.
"Dredging up thinly sourced allegations stemming from Mr. Cain's tenure as the Chief Executive Officer at the National Restaurant Association in the 1990s, political trade press are now casting aspersions on his character and spreading rumors that never stood up to the facts," Gordon said in a statement.
The women, who were not named in the POLITICO story, left the organization after receiving "separation packages that were in the five-figure range," the newspaper reported.

This source also article goes on to elaborate on how unfair attacks have been made on Herman Cain
Why are these differing opinions important to create dialogue among voters?

I like how each source gives different details to the situation. Giving different angles of a story will better help to shape the audiences opinions about the topic. The voters will benefit on seeing the story from different perspectives.


Are they helping or hurting the candidates? How does this all influence public opinion? Why does it matter?

I believe this kind of reporting can both hurt and help candidates in terms of voters favoring a specific media base. If one media is heavily favored over another and shows bias, then candidates may only been seen from a one sided perspective. However if voters utilize their entire media base, then they can see candidates from different perspectives in which helps them to make better opinions about each candidate.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Politicial Ads

I think the Perry ad is a hit or miss. Those who know and understand politics and media understand how chopped and screwed this ad was in efforts to influence the audience that Romney Care will be ineffective. On the contrary, this ad is a hit to those who do not know the details of what’s really being reported by Romney in the video. Therefore the audience would most likely accept the contradictions and inconsistency labels on Mitt Romney from the Perry ad

Michele is from the home of the Iowa caucus; in which serves to be a big presidential focus during election periods such as the upcoming 2012 presidential elections. Her ad was effective in the fact that supporters may be influenced by her roots and upbringing in which they can relate to. Viewers watching this video will be more attentive to Michele Bachmann because of her background. Therefore she made a good strategic move by identifying her roots in her ad

Obama has served a four year term and therefore is lacking the “Meat and Potatoes” in his ad. Personally I feel that he should have used more achievements during his term to compliment his strengths that voters admire him for. I do like the part of the video where he is looking in the mirror at himself. This scene really showed me that he is focused day to day on his duties to the United States. However the riding of the unicorn was a bit corny to me.

“Yes we did” speaks large words to voters because it’s a reflection of the triumph that Obama accomplished during the 2008 elections. This scene reminded voters of the president they stood for and indeed catches the audience attention for the rest of the Obama ad. This was effective.

Obama did not have enough achievements to create a positive impact on the video to my opinion. Maybe elaborating on future goals would have added more value to the ad; giving the audience a sense that Obama still has more to offer.

I think this “Promotion” of media groups is very good for business, politics, and people. Although I do not necessarily favor the government stepping in and regulating new media; in terms of political elections, regulations would be an exception to refrain from giving the voters false information and utilizing unethical tactics for promoting a candidates.

Television advertising is by far the best approach to reach new voting groups. Television advertising not only sends a message to the mass majority of the United States that own television(s) in their homes but gives the audience the visuals to compliment the audio delivery of the message. Most of society utilizes new media such as online access, mobile access, and social networking in communication. Social media can easily reach people by tapping into these outlets. How can you avoid politics if it’s located in all your resources for communication? Effective.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Module 8 - Cable News MSNBC/Effect of Hyper-Competition in Cable / Steve Jobs

MSNBC coverage on protests against big corporation greed:

"We got sold out, banks got bailed out" and "All day, all week, occupy Wall Street." American protesters are angry that U.S. banks are enjoying booming profits after getting bailouts in 2008, while many people are struggling in a difficult economy with more than 9 % percent unemployment and little help from Washington.

It is safe to say this specific event was identified as a liberal event in which MSNBC provided a large amount of coverage with little attention to other important news this specific day. However I feel that MSNBC is balanced enough to challenge any critic’s about presenting a liberal bias on the news that is being covered. News being presented on MSNBC is more balanced than the conservative bias that FOX leans towards when presenting news to its viewers.

Overall based on the coverage; I feel that those running coverage on the protest did step over the line this time. Other important news such as the death of Steve Jobs really deserved part of that attention. Rest in Peace.

I feel that all media has an agenda to make beyond just the facts. However if you have diverse employment staff working towards the same goals then there will be a balanced viewpoint in the reporting of news to its followers such as MSNBC. If you have nothing but conservative republicans representing a company; then the bias is strong and viewers are subject to only one aspect of the news.

Effect of Hyper-Competition in Cable:

I think not! Competition in Cable is like competition in business for the fact that the public benefits with more options and more quality. The more views in journalism there are the better quality information is available. No one wants to listen to a one sided bias reporting important news and events. Therefore competitions give viewers options in which help them to develop their one opinions on facts delivered.

Steve Jobs:

“Death is very likely the single best invention of life”. Living each day as if it were your last does inspire me to contribute or create a positive impact on life (person(s) /community). Whatever I chose to do; I think Steve Jobs words influences me to keep doing what makes me happy and to face change with a sense of confidence that things will work out.

I am still at a stand still carrier wise at this point in time. Entering my last semester of school, my goal is to place myself in a situation where I am more available to my family, and that I can be a shoulder to lean one. Just like rapper 2Pac said, “I may not be the person to change the world, but I want to spark the mind of the person who will change the world”.

Thanks Steve Jobs.