Israt Miah
Professor Sara Jacobson FIQWIS 10108s 11/06/2023

Media Influence on Political Engagement: A Comparative Analysis of Television, Print, and Online News

As media and political advertising evolved throughout time, they affected not just how we see and interact with politics, but they also significantly influenced what democracy is all about. They have called into question the core principles of an open and informed voter, as well as the difference between information and manipulation. From Walter Cronkite’s influence on the Vietnam War to JFK’s fear about the impact of television on Americans about the presidential election, everything relates to the way that various media outlets have influenced political agendas and viewpoints among the general public, sparking interest in the media’s rapidly expanding influence over politics and societal concepts. This essay will analyze how the media has changed in its influence on involvement in politics, comparing the current media environment to the significant people of the past who have shaped public opinion, such as Walter Cronkite. Examining the ways in which various media platforms, such as print, web, and television news, use tactics like fear, emotional appeal, and persuasion to influence the opinions and political participation of their audience. Through an analysis of past events and current patterns, the essay’s purpose is to grasp the complex connections between politics and media in forming modern democracy.

For several decades, television has been an important tool for influencing political interaction. It is a powerful tool for telling stories and delivering information because of its visual and auditory elements. Political events, debates, and advertisements are broadcast into millions of homes, influencing public perception and opinion. Television, for instance, played a pivotal role during the 1960s during the Vietnam War, where Walter Cronkite’s charisma and presentation skills were believed to have influenced the public’s view of him compared to the other television journalists. The emotional effect of television and the attraction of live events may captivate viewers and motivate them to take part in political debates and decision-making. According to the text, “Did the news media, led by Walter Cronkite, lose the war in Vietnam?,”it mentioned how Cronkite had put himself in the hue and recorded himself in “a bombed-out area while covering the Vietnam War for CBS News.” (Achenbach) As a key figure in shaping public opinion and political participation, Walter Cronkite’s bravery in filming himself in a bombed-out neighborhood while covering the Vietnam War for CBS News served as an example of his dedication to producing compelling and real news stories. As mentioned in the article,“At the close of the hour, Cronkite, back at his desk in New York, delivers his verdict. He acknowledges that what he is about to say is “subjective.” It’s his opinion.” (Achenbach) The fact that Walter Cronkite acknowledged that his remark and opinion were “subjective” in the context of his Vietnam War report shows how important visual and emotional components are in influencing viewer participation. He made the scenario seem genuine and approachable to the audience by freely expressing his subjectivity and personal viewpoint while also highlighting its importance and emotional effect. By sparking emotions while encouraging a higher degree of audience participation in the story and the problems it represents, this humanizing element of news reporting may establish a stronger connection with the audience. The openness of Cronkite acted as an example of how sincerity and feeling may improve the way visual media shapes public opinion and encourages participation in political events. The 9/11 incident is another instance of how significant political events attracted people and how the media promotes political understanding and engagement. Television networks extensively covered the terrorist incident on September 11, 2001. Television has the advantage of live coverage as the viewers are able to feel more actively and immediately involved in the political process since they may see political events occur live. The continuous news coverage not only educated the public but also spurred a wave of political involvement and patriotism as many people watched closely as the government responded to the assaults.

Print media, which includes periodicals and newspapers, provides an alternative method of participating in politics. It frequently offers thorough analysis, context, and a range of viewpoints. Engaging with print media makes citizens more knowledgeable and considerate about political concerns. Print media promotes deeper contemplation and consideration, both of which might raise political engagement. Print media promotes critical thinking and political engagement by providing an environment for in-depth reporting and opinion contributions. According to “So, Gutenberg Didn’t Actually Invent Printing As We Know It.”, it states “Access to mass-produced books revolutionized Europe in the late 1400s, with advancing literacy altering religion, politics, and lifestyles worldwide.” (Newman) The use of printing technology to mass-produce books in the late 1400s was a turning point in the popularization of knowledge and information access, which had a significant impact on politics, religion, and lifestyles worldwide. This groundbreaking advancement created the foundation for today’s media environment, promoting the exchange of ideas and influencing how people engage and consume information. In “How 3D printing and social media tackles the PPE shortage during Covid – 19 pandemic”, it mentions how “And yet whether true or false, meat or fluff, smart or dumb, when information is presented in a designed context with the intent of drawing attention, it is given authority that it either deserves or not…the designers represented information simply or complexly.” (Heller) When presented in an effectively crafted environment, the authority assigned to information, whether genuine or not, highlights the critical role of the media in molding public opinion. The concept emphasizes the need of examining how diverse media formats, such as television, print, and internet news, may have a significant effect on citizens’ political engagement, since they have the ability to alter the credibility and impact of the information they give out.

The rise of the internet and online media has drastically changed political involvement and engagement. Citizens may now interact with political material in real-time due to the accessibility of information and participatory nature of internet platforms. Instantaneous responses, conversations, and information sharing via social media are encouraged by online news. On the other hand, it may also lead to echo chambers and information bubbles where people are exposed to similar viewpoints. This has the potential to either alienate people with different viewpoints or promote political involvement among those who are already engaged. According to “The Wrong Story: Palestine, Israel, and the Media”, it states “Media coverage suggesting that Israelis and Palestinians have wronged each other to similar extents ignores that it is only one side that made millions of people refugees and that is responsible for them continuing to have that status.” (Shupak, 24) This piece of evidence highlights any potential bias or misrepresentation in the media. Depending on the media outlet’s stance or goals, complex political issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict may be portrayed in a biased manner. This might affect how the broader public feels about and engages with these problems. It shows how the discourse around these disagreements is influenced by social media and online news. Certain narratives and perspectives can be amplified on online news and social media platforms, which might further impact citizens’ political engagement. A comparison of television, print, and online news in our ever-changing media ecosystem demonstrates various channels via which they impact political activity. The visual and aural features of television have an incredible emotional impact, making political events intensely

relevant and inspiring involvement. Print media, which includes newspapers and magazines, excels at delivering in-depth analysis and varied viewpoints, as well as encouraging critical thinking and political participation. Although each medium has its own distinct capabilities, individual choices and demographics play an important impact in media consumption and political activity. Preferences direct us toward our preferred medium, although demographics such as age and education might direct us into certain media. They can either complement or contradict each other in this media interaction, presenting varied ideas or producing confusion through competing opinions. Finally, while we negotiate the digital age’s problems and potential, we face concerns such as information overload, the spread of disinformation, and the echo chamber effect, in which like-minded opinions strengthen our convictions. Nonetheless, this period provides accessibility and a platform for citizen journalism, encouraging active political involvement and social media conversations. Understanding the complex function of diverse media in molding public opinion and encouraging meaningful political action is critical in this changing context. It’s evident that different media, such as television, print, and online news, have unique characteristics that influence how individuals participate in politics. Television’s emotional impact, print media’s depth and critical thinking, and online news’s immediacy all contribute to shaping political involvement.The media not only informs, but also shapes public opinion, impacts governmental choices, and may either encourage or discourage political participation. Understanding the interaction between individual preferences, demography, and media choices is critical in this process. As we progress further into the digital age, it is apparent that the media environment is changing. Information overload and the dissemination of disinformation remain challenges, but possibilities for active involvement and the amplification of many perspectives are emerging. This emphasizes the need for ongoing research and education. Scholars, journalists, and people must be watchful and adapt to the ever-changing media landscape. Finally, the media’s influence on democratic countries is continual and profound. It is more than just a mirror of international events; it is an active participant in political debate. Moving forward, our knowledge of the function of the media and our collective interaction with it will be critical in developing educated citizens and healthy democracies.

Works Cited

“Did the news media, led by Walter Cronkite, lose the war in Vietnam? Achenbach, 2018 “So, Gutenberg Didn’t Actually Invent Printing As We Know It.” Newman, 2019

“The Wrong Story: Palestine, Israel, and the Media” Shupak, 2018, CCNY Library

“Stop, Think, Go, Do : How Typography and Graphic Design Influence Behavior” Heller, 2012 CCNY Library