Israt Miah Professor Jacobson FIQWS 10/16/2023

The Influence of Media on Society

Over time, the evolution of media and political advertising has transformed not only our engagement with politics but also the very essence of democracy. It challenges traditional notions of an informed and open electorate, blurring the lines between information and manipulation. From Walter Cronkite’s influence in molding public opinion during the Vietnam War to John F. Kennedy’s concerns about the impact of television on presidential elections, media outlets have played an important role in defining political agendas and popular viewpoints. Articles like “Did the news media, led by Walter Cronkite, lose the war in Vietnam?” by Joel Achenbach and “A Force That Has Changed The Political Scene”: JFK’s Essay on His Favorite (and Most Feared) Technology” by Alex Pasternack emphasizes the psychological strategies used by media, such as emotional appeal and persuasion, to influence viewers’ perceptions.

Walter Cronkite was a powerful figure during the Vietnam War. Jack Achenbach delves into the complicated relationship between media coverage and public sentiment during the war, highlighting the significance of figures such as Walter Cronkite. While acknowledging the influence of the media in generating anti-war sentiment and popular discontent, Achenbach’s research emphasizes that it was only one of many elements impacting the war’s end. The Vietnam War was a complex battle with military, political, and diplomatic components, in which media coverage had a role but was not the primary driver of its result. In his article, John F. Kennedy recognized television’s transformational potential in politics. He recognized television’s power to influence public opinion, engage individuals on a personal level, and influence political campaigns. JFK’s realization of the influence of televised debates, particularly the 1960 presidential debate against Richard Nixon, is cited by Pasternack as a watershed point in American politics. This article emphasizes Kennedy’s admiration for and fear of television’s effect, recognizing its ability to affect elections and transform the political landscape.

The rhetorical context of Joel Achenbach’s “Did the News Media, Led by Walter Cronkite, Lose the War in Vietnam?”focuses on the role of the news media during the Vietnam War from a rhetorical perspective. The intended audience includes anyone interested in the history of journalism, the Vietnam War, and the role of the media in affecting public opinion and political decisions. The fundamental thesis of this article is that the news media, led by Walter Cronkite, had a substantial impact on the outcome of the Vietnam War. It investigates the potential that media coverage influenced public sentiment and government actions during the conflict. In “A Force That Has Changed The Political Scene”: JFK’s Essay on His Favorite (and Most Feared) Technology” by Alex Pasternack, the rhetorical context involves presenting JFK’s perspectives and analysis of television’s role in politics. Readers interested in JFK’s administration, his views on television, the importance of media in politics, and the influence of technology on political campaigns are the intended audience for this page. The goal of this essay is to shed light on JFK’s knowledge of television’s effect on political campaigns, both its advantages and disadvantages. These articles look at how media and technology affect political events. Pasternack’s essay delves into JFK’s beliefs, whereas Achenbach’s research looks at Walter Cronkite and the media’s probable effect on public opinion and the result of the war. Both pieces are aimed towards people who are interested in journalism, politics, or historical events. Attracting spectators to significant events is influenced by physical attractiveness, charisma, and presentation. “…and he didn’t hesitate to let the networks know,” (Achenbach). Many viewers may have been drawn to Cronkite because of his candor. Cronkite’s direct experience of the Vietnam War, along with his candor and honesty, enabled him to connect with his viewers, making him look more credible as a reputable source. This is in alignment with JFK’s views on openness and how candidates should be presented during televised presidential elections. “It is within your power to detect deception, to shut down gimmickry, to reward honesty, and to demand legislation where necessary,” JFK said. No TV show is worth watching, and no politician can live without your approval.” Viewers have the ability to impact media quality and integrity through consuming material and supporting honest reporting. Their decisions have the potential to decide whether politicians succeed, if their credibility is maintained, and whether the media keeps its integrity. Furthermore, articles such as “A Brief Outline of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict” by Amer Obeidi and “Media Bias in Covering the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: with a Case Study of BBC Coverage and Its Foundation of Impartiality” by Gerard McTigue highlight how media uses psychological methods to shape viewers’ perspectives, such as emotional appeal, fear, and persuasion. Amer Obeidi goes in depth about how the Israel-Palestinian situation is a complex and long-standing dispute between two distinct national groups in the Middle East, with its roots dating back thousands of years. According to the article, it presents the audience with information that dates back to the 1900s stating that “40,000 Jews emigrated to Palestine following further pogroms. As the war progressed, and it appeared that Allied conquest of Palestine from the moribund Ottoman Empire was imminent, the Zionist political leadership lobbied Allied governments to support their goals.” (Obeidi) This material depicts the beginning of the 75-year-long conflict between Palestinians and Israelis that has resulted in the current condition between the two countries. Obeidi’s work dives into the nuances of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, tracing its origins to the early 1900s and detailing the historical backdrop that has led to the current predicament. As it mentions in his article, “Meanwhile, McTigue’s study highlights the significance of media in a global environment, where multiple interests and incentives drive conflict participation. It emphasizes how individuals and corporations can make judgments that look skewed in favor of the more powerful side, possibly jeopardizing ethics and fairness. This emphasizes the effect of the media on our views, corporate choices, and public image, emphasizing the importance of critical information evaluation and access to the entire story. The relationship between media, political advertising, and democracy has evolved significantly throughout time. As communication technology advanced, we saw a shift in our political involvement and a redefining of democracy itself. The relationship between the media, political advertising, and democracy has evolved considerably throughout time. As we have witnessed the emergence of various communication technologies and their influence on political discourse, it has become clear that these innovations have not only transformed how we view and interact with politics, but have also reshaped the essence of democracy itself.

The media and political advertising have had an impact on the political environment, transforming our perceptions of and involvement in democracy. While disinformation and divisiveness remain issues, these obstacles highlight the need for media literacy, critical thinking, and ethical journalism in a democratic society. As we move forward, we must strike a balance between the benefits of media access and the need for a well-informed, active, and thoughtful public. Finally, the expansion of media and political advertising should serve as a reminder that democracy is a living concept that must continually adjust to changing communication technologies and societal demands. We must find a balance between the benefits of media access and the need for an educated, active, and thoughtful public as we move forward. The rise of media and political advertising serves as a reminder that democracy is a living concept that must adapt to new technology and societal demands.

Works Cited

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/did-the-news-media-led-by-walter-cronkite-lose- the-war-in-vietnam/2018/05/25/a5b3e098-495e-11e8-827e-190efaf1f1ee_story.html
“Did the news media, led by Walter Cronkite, lose the war in Vietnam?” by Joel Achenbachhttps://www.vice.com/en/article/nzz7ax/a-force-that-has-changed-the-political-scene-when-j fk-schooled-america-on-tv-in-politics

“A Force That Has Changed The Political Scene”: JFK’s Essay on His Favorite (and Most Feared) Technology by Alex Pasternack https://surface.syr.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1296&context=honors_capstone
“Media Bias in Covering the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: With a Case Study of BBC Co Case Study of BBC Coverage and Its F age and Its Foundation of Impartiality” by Gerard McTigue https://link-springer-com.ccny-proxy1.libr.ccny.cuny.edu/article/10.1007/s10726-012-9293-7

A Brief Outline of the Israel–Palestinian Conflict – CCNY Library Source