THE NEWS MEDIA IN SOCIETY

Catalog description

Examines the social responsibilities and problems of the news media, with primary focus on newspapers. The course will trace the changes and evolution of news coverage from these perspectives: ethical considerations; fairness vs. objectivity; misconceptions; boosterism; favoritism and credibility; manipulation of the public; social responsibility; power and influence of the media; influence of advertisers; constitutional rights; giving the public what it wants vs. what it should have; and sensationalism. The course will likely raise more questions than it answers, but it will give students a better understanding of the subject through extensive class discussion.