Exam 6: The Media As Policy Makers

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Journalists can influence policy through the use of leaks by bringing attention to government actions that may be controversial or in violation of laws or ethical standards. By publishing leaked information, journalists can spark public debate and pressure policymakers to address the issues raised.

One timely example of this is the case of Edward Snowden and the NSA (National Security Agency) leaks. In 2013, Snowden, a former NSA contractor, leaked classified information to journalists, revealing the extent of the NSA's surveillance programs, including the collection of phone records of millions of Americans. The journalists who received this information, including Glenn Greenwald and Laura Poitras, worked with major news outlets to publish stories based on the leaked documents.

The publication of these stories sparked a global debate about government surveillance and privacy rights. It led to significant public outcry and calls for reform of surveillance laws and practices. As a result, policymakers were forced to address the issue, leading to changes in surveillance policies and increased oversight of intelligence agencies.

In this example, journalists used leaks to expose government actions that were controversial and potentially unconstitutional, leading to a significant impact on policy. By bringing the information to light and engaging the public in the debate, journalists were able to influence policy and bring about change.

Overall, journalists can influence policy through the use of leaks by shining a light on government actions and sparking public debate. The Snowden-NSA example demonstrates the power of leaks in shaping policy and holding government accountable.

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Agenda building refers to the process of influencing which issues are considered important and worthy of attention by decision-makers and the public. It involves the strategic selection and framing of issues in order to shape public opinion and policy priorities.

Agenda building is important because it determines which issues receive attention and resources, and ultimately which problems are addressed by policymakers. By influencing the agenda, individuals and groups can bring attention to important social, economic, and political issues, and advocate for specific policies and solutions. This can lead to positive changes in society and government, as well as increased awareness and understanding of pressing issues.

Furthermore, agenda building can also help to mobilize public support and create momentum for specific causes or initiatives. By shaping the agenda, advocates and activists can generate public interest and engagement, and ultimately influence decision-making processes at various levels of government and society.

In summary, agenda building is important because it determines which issues are prioritized and addressed, and it provides a means for individuals and groups to advocate for change and influence public policy. It is a crucial aspect of democratic governance and social change, and plays a key role in shaping the direction and priorities of society.

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Muckraking is a term used to describe investigative journalism that aims to expose corruption, abuse of power, and societal issues. There are three main models of muckraking, each with its own implications.

The first model is the "exposé" model, which focuses on uncovering and publicizing specific instances of corruption or wrongdoing. This model often leads to immediate consequences for the individuals or organizations involved, as the public outcry and media attention can result in legal action or public backlash. The implications of this model include holding individuals and institutions accountable for their actions, and potentially leading to systemic change as a result of the public pressure.

The second model is the "advocacy" model, which goes beyond simply exposing issues and aims to actively advocate for change. This model often involves working with advocacy groups, lobbying for policy changes, and mobilizing public support for specific causes. The implications of this model include the potential for long-term systemic change, as well as the risk of being seen as biased or partisan in the pursuit of specific agendas.

The third model is the "investigative" model, which involves in-depth research and analysis to uncover systemic issues and patterns of corruption or abuse. This model often leads to a deeper understanding of the root causes of societal problems, and can result in recommendations for policy changes or institutional reforms. The implications of this model include the potential for addressing underlying issues and creating lasting change, as well as the challenge of maintaining public interest and support for complex and long-term investigations.

In conclusion, each model of muckraking has its own implications, from immediate consequences for wrongdoers to long-term systemic change. By understanding these models and their implications, journalists and advocates can better navigate the complex landscape of investigative journalism and advocacy.