Simpson Page 1 Derrick Simpson Diana Watkins English 1213 27 February 2014 A Well-Governed Media some critics of the

press think of it as speaking with a unified voice with a distinct ideological bias.this simplistic thinking fits the needs of ideological struggle, but is hardly useful in coming to a better understanding of what is happening in the world. For that better understanding we need a theory(Media/Political Bias). My theory is that the government has had their hands, feet and nose in the media for years; if not completely had control over it. A government controlled media has been a widely, however not so much loudly, discussed topic in the past; seemingly proving this to not be much of a theory or new idea at all. A theory offers us a model that tells us why things happen as they do(Media/Political Bias). In this case, possibly revealing ideas as to why America has been left in the dark concerning matters of our government and even worldwide issues. I believe that the government will take over anything that they feel threatened by and I do agree that the media can be very threatening. However, I do not think the media itself is to be blamed for our lack of knowledge. This burden is to be placed on a much higher power. There are three eye-opening concepts that prove certain, but not necessarily specific, ideas to be the basis of what is allowed to be broadcast in the media. One is the authoritarian concept; Under this system, the press are allowed to gather and publish news, but the news must be for the good of the state, and should not criticize authority or challenge the leadership in any way(Government controlled media). When I back down to a challenge or

Simpson Page 2 criticism, it is because I am not worthy to argue or possibly have something to hide. I wonder how different the reports would be if we didnt have such a controlling government? If not different, maybe more informative about things weve heard, but dont necessarily know. The second and also quite similar is the Communist Concept stating that, The news was to be positive information that furthered party goals, rather than reflecting the interests of the people and It was to be used as a means of exercising control over the people, along with the secret police(Government Controlled Media). Control and secret police in the same sentence, scary. Now we know that news does not just cover politics and that there are a lot of positive things discussed, but this means of exercising control idea is something people might want to watch for. I believe that controlling issues come from someones own insecurities and can reflect how unqualified a person, or government, may be for certain levels of authority. Hitler had controlling issues you know, just saying. Lastly is the Developmental Concept, also helping to maintain a government controlled environment(gcm). This concept is slightly different than the first two but still quite similar suggesting that, All instruments of mass communication, or media, should be mobilized to assist the government in nation building, fighting illiteracy and poverty, building a political consciousness and helping in economic development(gcm). The government has definitely built a political consciousness but Im not so sure about the othe r ideas listed in the quote. Also suggesting that, Media should support government, rather than challenge it(gcm). Aw come on, dont they like a challenge? Just once I would like to see the government have some kind of Q&A forum with the media aired live on national television. Think of the coverage that would get; and all the positive information, ha!

Simpson Page 3 I used to be even more nave than I am now and felt very safe and confident that our leaders would bend over backward for this country and the people. The older I get the more my confidence fades and I begin to wonder and worry about my future as an American citizen. Further, my children and grandchildrens future. I often watch the news already knowing what a normal day of reports will consist of ; a few deaths, robberies and drug busts also some positive things maintaining a balance in the media. The positive things being the reports that I hope and look for when I watch the news, however not feeling satisfied knowing of the governmental filter put on the media. Knowledge of this filter leaves me worried that we are not getting the news that may be important in maintaining our well-being. The way the government controls us through the media is genius. They do not make it obvious or direct. We are governed by the media in a way that eludes most people by interjecting ideas that deter their minds from real morals and values. Ideas that keep us reliant on the well-governed media. The government has had control over the media, along with everything else, for years. They will take over anything they fell threatened by and are to be blamed for our lack of knowledge, whether it be international coverage or events within our own boundaries. The people have not always been in the best interests of the government and will continue to be left in the dark.

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Works Cited
(Media/Political Bias) (Government controlled media)