Formal or informal? does media manipulate?

[FFactory0x]

If you search Cspan's archieves thier is one titled Tony Blair hour of PM were he address's every one and answers questions. Compared to the US where Bush makes statements and his speaker answers questions, do you think the way Blair does it is a proper or improper form of political communication to the people?

Also does the media manipulate?

 

[mismajor99]

I love the way Great Britain has their town meetings, their open to all people who ask questions. I don't think Bush could handle that, you know, being honest and actually explaining himself or his administration.

The mdeia manipulates on a daily basis. There is no "liberal media" as i'm sure some people will argue with no proof. Who controls the media can be answered by Who pays their bills??? Advertisers, big business, special interests, ect..... Real journalism has taken a back seat over the past couple of years. We, the public are constantly being screened as to what we hear and see. It's not total control but it's enough to notice if you actually use your grey matter. Man, I need a Beer......

 

[herkulease]

politics is a whole lot different in the UK.

occasionally you can catch cspan running a feed from the UK. notice how the members of the house of commons acts when Tony Blair says something they don't like. They hoot, holler, moan and groan.

We hardly ever see this, the closest is when the President gives the state of the union its pretty much one side sits down while the other is standing a claping. the only other time we hear out bursts in congress is when there's a voice vote and a bunch of yell out yay or nay. other than that we are pretty civil compared to foreign countries. Heck brawls break out sometimes over in countries in Asia.

I dunno about you but Bush does answer reporter questions, he doesn't always hand stuff over to his press secretary.

 

[mismajor99]

It's very controlled here in the states, good for politicians, bad for the people. I think it's hillarious during the house of commons when they hoot and holler. We need to spice our system up a bit.

 

[Rainsford]

Politics over here have a much more respectful tone than in many other countries. I personally think this is a bad thing, the president is just a guy who is supposed to be working for us. He's not Jesus.

 

[Jave]

Everything on that little screen is an advertisement.
They are always trying to sell something, views which we should have, what should we think today ......

 

[PatboyX]

wish we had those style town meetings, though.
it would be therapeutic.

 

[Gaard]

Originally posted by: herkulease
I dunno about you but Bush does answer reporter questions, he doesn't always hand stuff over to his press secretary.

Our ideas of 'answer' is different.

 

[Rainsford]

Originally posted by: PatboyX
wish we had those style town meetings, though.
it would be therapeutic.

It would also be a lot better for democracy. Forcing the leader of a country to face people who don't like him is just as important as letting him see people who do. After all, he supposedly is the leader for ALL of us.

 

[Zebo]

"You furnish the pictures, I'll furnish the war." -William Randolph Hearst

Hell yeah the media manipulates and is prolly still thoughly inflitrated by CIA shills as the Church Commision found in the 1970's.


Here is one at NYT I think
http://slate.msn.com/id/2086110/

 

[Dissipate]

The mainstream media has been and always will be a puppet of the state. Ever notice how a lot of its statistics and facts come from government reports and studies? Not to mention the fact that the media has made it clear that it believes that the state is a legitimate institution. Hmmm...

 

[Moonbeam]

The media is corporate America and manipulates most by what it does not cover.

 

[irwincur]

The problem is not the political slant of the media, it is that the media sees themselves as an equal in Washington. The media knows the power that they hold, they also know the influence that they can exert at any time. When not given the 'respect' that they think they deserve, they can sting.

The media is essentially the third party in DC.

The problem today is that, yes, there is a definite and proven liberal slant to the major media outlets. This offsets the system. However it is not as bad as expected because at times they are even further left of the Democrats - hindering their attempts to align themselves with the mainstream, as too many people now associate the media, the left, and the Democrats.

 

[martinez]

Originally posted by: irwincur
The problem is not the political slant of the media, it is that the media sees themselves as an equal in Washington. The media knows the power that they hold, they also know the influence that they can exert at any time. When not given the 'respect' that they think they deserve, they can sting.

The media is essentially the third party in DC.

The problem today is that, yes, there is a definite and proven liberal slant to the major media outlets. This offsets the system. However it is not as bad as expected because at times they are even further left of the Democrats - hindering their attempts to align themselves with the mainstream, as too many people now associate the media, the left, and the Democrats.

People who associate the media, the left and Democrats appear to me as being very easily led. There is definitely some journos that are liberal, but imo, there is just as many conservative pundits out there.

politics is a whole lot different in the UK.

It's the same here in Australia. What you are referring to is "Question Time". It may seem to be a grand way of discussing things, but really, it just gives them an excuse to be partisan and sling mud. What it does do is lets the public know what issues are really being seen as important in the house of commons. All that typically happens is a backbencher(a junior member of parliament) will ask a question of one of his/her own partys' ministers. This allows him/her to sprout off on their current agenda. Then following this is the questions directed at the opposition party. These questions tend to take the form of statements attempting to back them into a corner. Invariably there follows a quick denial. So nothing substantive gets achieved. It's all a show for the cameras.