Journalism Paper
Introduction
For this paper, you will explore the agenda-setting effects of political news sites. Agenda-setting is what happens when mass media pay attention to certain events or issues; they set the agenda for the major topics of discussion for individuals and society. Agenda-setting is less about the intentions of mass media editors and gatekeepers to control conversation; instead, agenda-setting is more about the results - the effects on audiences and culture – of setting the agenda for topics of conversation. Spend time reading mainstream political news websites. How do the headlines, photos, and language used in stories affect political discourse?
Directions
Choose five (5) of the following news sites:
- ABC: http://abcnews.go.com
- CBS: http://www.cbsnews.com
- CNN: http://www.cnn.com
- FOX: http://www.foxnews.com (Links to an external site.)
- HuffPost: http://www.huffingtonpost.com
- NBC: http://www.nbcnews.com
- NPR: https://www.npr.org
- NYTimes: http://www.nytimes.com (Links to an external site.)
- USAToday: http://www.usatoday.com
- WallStreetJournal: http://www.wsj.com (Links to an external site.)
Look at five pages/ for similarities and differences; do this on the same day and report the date in your paper.
- Take note of headlines and the main topics of discussion for each site. Create a chart which demonstrates your findings. (10 points)
- What are the major topics of discussion for individuals and society according to online news? In other words, what are the most recurring topics for that day? Identify these main topics in the introduction of your essay (10 points)
- What do you feel are some of the attributes/characteristics of the coverage that you saw? How are different sites covering or framing that same topic/story (identified in step 2)? Compare and contrastthe different stories you encounter about that topic. Focus on one or two topics for your analysis. Be sure to provide examples of headlines and quotes from articles to support your arguments. (50 points)
- Do you feel that these sites are operating ethically? Why or why not? (15 points)
- Include the terms agenda setting and framing in your essay, provide definitions/explanations as to what they mean, and apply them appropriately. (15 points)
Requirements
- Papers should be 750-1000 words in length.
- Include an introduction, conclusion, transitions, and use college-level writing.
- Attach your notes/chart (typed) from analyzing the five websites.
- Include a list of “References” (APA) or a “Works Cited” page (MLA).
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Chart
The essay includes a completed chart indicating the five sites examined for research, and indicates five political stories found on each site
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Identification
The essay clearly identifies the main topics of discussion on the day the research was conducted. Two to three topics should be identified.
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Analysis
Comprehensive analysis is demonstrated in comparing and contrasting how multiple sites cover the same news story. Specific evidence is provided (headlines, quotes from articles) to support the arguments being made.
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Application
Course concepts (at least TWO) such as (but not limited to) agenda setting, framing, and/or specific new flaws are explained and appropriately applied in the essay.
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Ethics
The essay contains a clear argument regarding whether or not the author feels the sites studied are operating ethically.
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