Question

Which medium is the most influential in the formation of American public opinion? How long has this been the case? Why is this particular medium so powerful, especially relative to others? What are some specific ways in which this medium has influenced Americans, specifically in regard to politics?

Answer 1

Within the American population, media in its verisimilitude forms- print, broadcast and the internet has had a significantly large influence on public opinion on issues ranging from climate change, to outbreak of a communicable disease, world politics to inland security. The Media provides the main source of information about the world and as such the depiction of facts and figures in the media become the part of what is considered as reality for an average American. Moroever, because of its widespread coverage across the varied sections of society and the ease in its accessibility, media has become an undeniable influence on public opinion especially with respect to political issues. For instance, the polling results and debates initiated in mainstream media are regarded as major game changers in the determining the exit polls during the Presidential elections. The media in the recent decades has assumed a greater responsibility to serve as a direct link between the people and their representatives in the state and federal governments and it has thus claimed a bigger stake in influencing public opinion as well. For instance, the figures and statistics depicted in the media about the prevalence of geriatric problems and the lifestyles of the majority of the Baby Boomer populations can be said to exemplify the way media has had a major influence on the public opinion against the Medicare and social security bill in the present time.

By representing the interests of a few sections of the population, media can influence public opinion by shifting the balance of power and shape the way people view a particular government policy as acting either in the interests of the public or as favouring the creamy layer of the population.