Is The Media The Message?

[FayeW]

Remember the commericals that ran a few years ago, about the role the media has is determining the "message" ?( I think they were CBC Heritage commericials, or something). Well, all this election talk has me asking the question: Is the media the message?

I wonder how much influence the media had in determining the way the votes were cast. For example, every day for the last few weeks we heard about a new Decima or Ipsos Reid poll. Did releasing the findings from those polls influence apathetic or undecided voters? Was there a "he's gonna win anyway, might as well vote for him" or "he's gonna win anyway, my vote won't make a difference" mentality? Is there a chance that undecided voters are influenced because they believe "if this many people think he's the right choice, he must be the right man for the job"?

I almost think that releasing the results of the polls to the public is irresponsible, as the polls themselves may have more of an impact than anything the candidates themselves do or say. There is a lot of "jumping on the popular bandwagon" that goes on in politics, so I would love to know what would have happened if somebody had released a poll last week saying the NDP were leading at 53% of the decided vote.

So, to answer my own question, I absolutely believe that the media IS the message. The provide the information to us, and can spin it any way they want. They do it with celebrities, in the sense that they photograph or interview virtual unknown starlets and the next thing you know, because they are in every publication on the newstand they become pseudo celebrities.

Any thoughts?

 

[digskat]

I actually have to agree, there is no need to post the lead up polls.
The media has become too powerful, with mammoth corporations like Quebecor controlling several newspapers in Ontario alone, as well as radio and tv stations. This group, controlled by its BoD, will only promote its agenda, and its provincial flagship, the Toronto Sun has several pages of political information, all with their twist. Their editor controls what is printed, and even has the audacity to comment on reader submissions (often quite rudely). The bias in this publication is very open and obvious.
Each party has its own propaganda machine, and its own media contact, and that station/paper will promote what that party wants. It becomes a battle of propaganda people, not politicians. The media also likes to twist the info, to up its rating/sales. It's too bad the media can't just report the news, but it has become its own business.

 

[SherylR]

it was The medium is the message, but that's neither here nor there. The point is, Marshall McLuhan was correct. We are influenced by the media, in whatever form we choose.
Take the Disboards for example. People create their vacation choices by what they read here. I know that I did (and wasn't disappointed). It was just one of many mediums offered to me and it was a reliable one.
I do have to add however, that I write an opinion column for a small weekly paper in my city that is under the Quebecor umbrella. I've never been influenced or directed on what to write about. My work has never been edited to slant in one direction or another. It's completely my thoughts.
Do I appreciate it when a paper takes a side? Of course not, but you'll be hard pressed to find any paper in any province or any state for that matter, regardless of ownership that does not lean left or right. That's why you have to read more than just what your city throws out as an offering. Absolutely, read and support your local paper. But pick up or read on-line any other paper written in your country and province. Knowledge is power!

 

[digskat]

That is great that you are allowed to write your opinion, that is how it should be, differing opinions and factual news. The Toronto Sun, however, is leaning so far to the right, it is falling over. In 10 years, I have yet to see any positive print toward any party other than the Tories. You would swear Christina Blizzard sweated Blue. Their managing editor is openly critical of any liberal leading letter, or anti-Conservative opinion. Moira MacDonald's recent column, compares Tory to an ultra-clean teacher, and McGuinty as the all fun, no lesson Phys-ed teacher. She actually states that it would take 12 more schools in Peel, to have full day, every other day JK and SK, than half day every day classes. What?
Copps calls Layton Mr. Potato Head
Leatherdale predicts tax hikes due to Liberals
Granastein has had 3 consecutive Liberal bashing columns

The Sun has become an opinion rag, not a NEWSpaper. I am surprised it isn't printed with Blue Ink.

 

[SherylR]

Couldn't agree more about your Christina Blizzard observation. Although, I wouldn't exactly say the Toronto Sun is a model of journalistic excellence. It's like Entertainment Tonight, it gives you the juicy stuff but the facts are kinda blowin' in the wind. lol

 

[FayeW]

Couldn't agree more about your Christina Blizzard observation. Although, I wouldn't exactly say the Toronto Sun is a model of journalistic excellence. It's like Entertainment Tonight, it gives you the juicy stuff but the facts are kinda blowin' in the wind. lol

The Ottawa Sun is no better. I don't read it for the news, per se, but for the entertainment value. Actually, I read it for the hockey news but even there they are trying to create scandal. Everybody bloody day they are talking about the "goaltending controversy" between Gerber and Emery. There is NO controversy, BTW, but the media is doing it's darndest to create one!