Agenda Setting Theory (Essay Sample)
The task is about the agenda setting theory which explains the importance of the mainstream the model that plays an eccentric role in influencing individuals to view matters of national interests from a certain point of view. By approaching public issues from a certain angle, the media assigns relevance to the topical matters and encourages the populace to stick to a specific story when discussing the problems that affect their lifestyle. Framing in the mainstream media occurs when editors and journalists pick sides in the wake of public discussions regarding issues that affect individuals in their immediate environment. When the media sets the agenda to the people, priority is placed on certain aspects and the public are inspired to stick with the narrative described by the mainstream media. The sample also explains personal reflection which I believe the agenda-setting theory represents the widespread civilization that takes the center stage in many issues affecting individuals around the globe. In this regard, many people look up to the media for motivation and knowledge to dissect a majority of the matters of national interest. For instance, the media using its investigative tool can decide to approach the flawed relations between the United States and South Korea. From their analysis, individuals will embrace the report and use the information drawn by the media to engage other individuals and call for the government to act on its interaction with the Asian economy. In the event the media fails in its attempt to provide accurate findings, the populace will be misled from the truth, a move that may affect their views towards the government. Therefore, the mainstream media should be factual to utilize its agenda setting function and enhance the cognitive skills of the people.
Agenda Setting Theory
Basic Principles
Developed by Maxwell McCombs and Donald Shaw in 1972, the agenda setting theory asserts that the mainstream plays an eccentric role in influencing individuals to view matters of national interests from a certain point of view. By approaching public issues from a certain angle, the media assigns relevance to the topical matters and encourages the populace to stick to a specific story when discussing the problems that affect their lifestyle. Framing in the mainstream media occurs when editors and journalists pick sides in the wake of public discussions regarding issues that affect individuals in their immediate environment. When the media sets the agenda to the people, priority is placed on certain aspects and the public are inspired to stick with the narrative described by the mainstream media.
Interesting Elements
Looking at the way the media influences public perspective, it is evident that the ability of individuals to make informed decisions is withdrawn as people rely on the mainstream media’s point of view. In fact, individuals will always approach issues based on the way the media articulates the issues and presents them to their audience. Additionally, the media stimulates the thought process of individuals by highlighting and presenting issues using certain images that advance their point of view. In many instances, the media fails to show the entire picture and only chooses to advance their preferred narrative in its bid to influence the masses to embrace a certain level of understanding regarding the impact of topical issues in the contemporary society.
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