This occurs through newspapers, television, and occasionally through the internet. For instance, the Sandy Hook shooting was first heard through social media. The media arranges its signals by agenda setting. It's mainly about what's interesting to the viewers. National networks tend to report more or less the same things. The Common carrier functions is how political leaders communicate with the public. Leaders use the news so they are well known and can be seen by the public. National news focuses on political leaders, mainly the president. Political leaders coverage can be affected in …show more content…
Another way is by being journalist centered. The journalist do the most talking. The Watchdog function exposes officials who violate accepted legal, ethical, or performance standards. The American news media is called the fourth branch of government. After The Watergate scandal, the press has been quick to point out wrong doings. Out of media signaling, the common carrier, and the watchdog function, the common carrier is the most important because it allows the public to, in a sense interact with political leaders. Media signaling affects the public's opinion of government by how leaders talk, prevent themselves, and react to certain issues. Americans tune in to listen to political leaders, and from there judge whether they are able to agree or disagree with them. The public also is also able to choose a party that fits with their personal opinions. 2. The internet has negatively impacted the voters and has widened the medias watchdog capacity. Due to internet, the public has more access to information. Today, more wrongdoings of candidates and presidents are reported in headlines. This is so voters are aware of who is leading the country. The internet can influence voters by how a candidate not only