last updated 9/15/2011

How sources seek to control news

 [ ] = II items

1.  [manipulate deadlines] -- News released at 4pm Friday -- no one will cover it

2.  [manipulate access] (exclusives, early press releases, etc.)

3. [ using controlled channels] and [ direct access of sources to audiences ]

4. [ using media comptetition ]

5. [ language and symbols ]

6. use 6 word headlines and sound-bites

7. avoid yes-no answers [language]

8. be visual [symbols and pseudo-events, use locations well]
    

9. use [ prepackaged news ]

10. use wire service and local outlets for press release stuff [direct news feeds,

11. create pseudo-events,

12. write and distribute prepared editorials,

13. send out electronic press kits
     

14.  meet expectations but make news

15. be unusual

16. get near the President

17. leak info

18. confess mistakes soon and completely

19. keep cool on slow news days or use them

20. don't criticize the press

21. use [ political pressures ] Jamieson. pp. 145-154  Note Case study 4-1

Methods of Source Attribution

• On the record - reporters can use anything from the source.  "On the record" is assumed unless one of the standards below is agreed upon.

• Check Quotes - reporters must check back with the source to verify any direct quotations used in the story.

• Background

  • not for direct attribution - reporters cannot identify the person who is the source (e.g. "A whitehouse official has confirmed ....")

  • not for direct quote - reporters can identify the source but only paraphrase and not quote directly.

• Deep background - reporters cannot even indicate there is a source for the information (e.g. "Newsweek has learned....")

• Off the Record - none of the information obtained can be used in the story.

 Discussion Assignment for Tuesday (by teams)

1. The economic downturn has produced substantial and well-covered instances of "incivility" in the political discussions of potential reforms (at “townhalls” with congressmen, demonstrations of various types, the mosque protests, and, especially, the recent "raising the deficit limit" debate.).  What is your reaction to this? Is this emotional form of discussion helping us solve problems? What should be done about it and by whom?
2. What role do the media play in causing incivility and in making it difficult to decide of how to deal with the challenges facing our nation?  What role do Politicians and Political Parties play?  Educators?
3. What effect do high levels of  emotion, misunderstanding or misinformation, etc. play forming public opinion on policy issues in our democracy?  What are some strategies to control the negative effects of incivility without curtailing important criticism and comment?
4. Can you identify ways news sources (politicians, corporate leaders, commentators, special interest groups) have recently influenced news coverage of national problems. Ordinary citizens?


All Teams:  If you were to want to influence the news media to give favorable coverage to a cause you support, how would you go about it?