Media Violence Analysis
The very morning after, the massacre perpetrated by Elliot Rodger was being covered extensively by major national news sources including Fox News and CNN, though importantly, the coverage was not uniform between the two. These differences and how the media represents the issues can be looked at to see how the agendas of the major, nation-wide news agencies may differ from those of the local, independent new source at the site. Furthermore, whether messages appear to alter or if other related debates take a primary focus is of interest.
After looking at the discourse presented by the media and key actors at the national level, it becomes clear that there are definite variations in response to a high profile shooting event like that which occurred …show more content…
Richard Martinez, was very outspoken about his desire for limit firearms and has become an ad hoc activist in the months since his son’s passing, and while he received extensive coverage on networks like CNN, others chose not to highlight his words in their broadcasts. Immediately after this shooting, Martinez used his platform to spur reform. The two prominent media broadcast companies covered Martinez’ initial speech very differently. CNN aired Martinez’ words live, including his plea and the accusation: ‘Chris died because of craven, irresponsible politicians and the NRA. They talk about gun rights…what about Chris’ right to life?’ (Father of UCSB Shooting Victim Christopher Martinez: When Will This Insanity Stop? 2014). Fox News, on the other hand, did not share such words in their initial broadcast to their viewers, cutting Martinez’ words down significantly (Fox Edits Out UCSB Victim’s Dad’s Comments About Guns and NRA …show more content…
Additionally, his response urged Americans to consider the action of other countries, namely Australia, stating: ‘If public opinion does not demand change in Congress, it will not change’, before going on to cite the extensive influence and financing power of the NRA. Such statements evidence that the nation’s leader feels powerless when it comes to working towards stricter gun legislation and suggest that the National Rifle Association is a uniquely powerful political player when it comes to this
After looking at the discourse presented by the media and key actors at the national level, it becomes clear that there are definite variations in response to a high profile shooting event like that which occurred …show more content…
Richard Martinez, was very outspoken about his desire for limit firearms and has become an ad hoc activist in the months since his son’s passing, and while he received extensive coverage on networks like CNN, others chose not to highlight his words in their broadcasts. Immediately after this shooting, Martinez used his platform to spur reform. The two prominent media broadcast companies covered Martinez’ initial speech very differently. CNN aired Martinez’ words live, including his plea and the accusation: ‘Chris died because of craven, irresponsible politicians and the NRA. They talk about gun rights…what about Chris’ right to life?’ (Father of UCSB Shooting Victim Christopher Martinez: When Will This Insanity Stop? 2014). Fox News, on the other hand, did not share such words in their initial broadcast to their viewers, cutting Martinez’ words down significantly (Fox Edits Out UCSB Victim’s Dad’s Comments About Guns and NRA …show more content…
Additionally, his response urged Americans to consider the action of other countries, namely Australia, stating: ‘If public opinion does not demand change in Congress, it will not change’, before going on to cite the extensive influence and financing power of the NRA. Such statements evidence that the nation’s leader feels powerless when it comes to working towards stricter gun legislation and suggest that the National Rifle Association is a uniquely powerful political player when it comes to this