Effects of News Media Assignment Options

Effects of News Media Assignment Option
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Introduction
News media impacts the society heavily, both actively and passively. The information they relay and how they relay is a great determinant of how the recipients behave. Humans obtain knowledge by visual means, audio, in written format and many more. Therefore, social media, televisions, radio stations, in their different measures, depending on the magnitude of their audience take part in molding the shape of our society. The reasoning of a people about issues, influence on political views, and even the quality of the value system of citizens can be attributed to information obtained from the news media. They thus should be keen on what information they deliver, ensuring they give fair and correct information (Fico & Soffin 1995).
Social responsibility of information media
The information media vastly determines the social welfare of a community. The information they relay influences a people’s way of viewing issues. They additionally impact the value system of a society. The way social evils and charitable acts are delivered to a community via media influences their reaction toward the same.
Day to day issues, for instance, health-related, can be improved or deteriorated by the media. They can improve them by increasing awareness about them. By doing so, they sensitize the citizens on taking the necessary precautions to alleviate them from such. However, if they act oblivious to them, lack of knowledge by the public can be very hazardous (Fico & Soffin 1995).

Thus the media have the responsibility of minimizing ignorance of the public.
Matters pertaining the values a society place value on can be impacted by the media. They give information on virtues and vices that happen in our day to day lives. Issues such as corruption, social biases, which is nepotism, racism, tribalism, terrorism are made known to the public via media. When the society, for instance, is suffering from any of the vices, and the media criticizes it, they may serve as a medicine to curb it. On the contrary, if they turn a cold shoulder or insinuate the wrong information, they may propel the mob towards blindness.
The media should not only delve into the negative aspects of the society. Unfortunately, people are more prone to responding to negative messages with agility, compared to positive ones. This can be attributed to the tendency of the media to delivering negative messages, with shocking outstanding headlines. They should, on the other hand, strive to uphold good morals, by showcasing outstanding persons, who impact the society positively (Fico & Soffin 1995). This will act as a motivate rest of the society.
It, therefore, is the social responsibility of the media to give to the public correct and fair information.
Influence of the news media on political opinions.
The media can sway the political views of society. A very relatable instance is political campaigns. Studies have shown that although some Americans already set their minds on a certain candidate, most of them are swayed by campaigns. The most productive form of campaign is through the media, as it has the capability of reaching virtually everyone. The shrewd politicians major on the media as a campaign strategy.
Additionally, the news media provide a platform where people can comment on their political views. For instance, they may air a political topic, like the efficiency of the current president’s government, and the general public will jump on board and air their views.
Some of the challenges facing the political arena are brought out by the media too. Terrorism, amongst many others, is a major setback, as seen in (Clarke, 2008). The news media brings the society into the knowledge of such. They have the responsibility of giving the correct information, against which adverse effects follow. For instance, if they were to give false information, it would cause unease and terror in the community, paralyzing the normal activities of the public.
How electronic media have transformed journalism and news consumption
Technology has a major impact on how things are done. The news and media sector is not an exception to this transformation. Gone are days when reading morning hardcopy newspapers were the way to get up to date with current affairs. Televisions and radios emerged and became the next things (Clarke, 2008). Television stations such as Aljazeera and BBC and many others offer global news, acquainting people all over the world with information.
In addition to that, social media platforms have come up. These have completely revolutionized things. Aside from the fact that they provide real-time information, they also bring people to the same levels (Clarke, 2008). People can share information globally. News media have inculcated these into their systems, such that they too have their accounts. The likes of Facebook for socializing, Twitter for news mainly, Instagram and the like. President Donald Trump, for instance, is seen posting information to the public from time to time. Of late, he has tweeted on the top Leadership and Investigators of the FBI and the Justice Department. This is known globally via twitter.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the news and media have a major role to play in societal values, political views and in eradicating ignorance amongst citizens. It, therefore, is crucial for them to ensure that they relay the correct information. They should do a thorough investigation before delivering any news, lest they mislead the public.
References
Fico, F., & Soffin, S. (1995). Fairness and balance of selected newspaper coverage of controversial national, state, and local issues. Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, 72(3), 621-633.
Clarke, R. A. (2008). Against all enemies: Inside America’s war on terror. Simon and Schuster.