Media & Politics

I was initially interested in this course because of my background in journalism. As a journalist, media is essential to what we do and who we are. It's how we get and give out information. The media is essential in shining light on issues that otherwise wouldn't be brought to others attention.

I met Ann Curry recently at a journalism conference in Philadelphia, and one of the things she said that stood out to me was: there are people going through difficult situations that can't be heard, and that as journalists we are able to give them a voice.

I think that underlying essence of what it means to be a writer is what drives my interest for media and journalism.

(That's me on the far left. I look like I short circuited from standing too close to Ann)

In regards to politics, and its relationship with citizens and voters, the media is an important tool to keep truths as prevalent as possible.

Of course, there is media bias in many organizations (and outlets can only go so far in trying to get as much information out to the public as possible), but the tools to make informed decisions and assumptions are there.

Without the media, it would be difficult for people to understand what is going on in the realm of politics. It would be up to citizens to find out the real issues, which is a burden for those those with 9 to 5 jobs and other responsibilities.

The statement "All politics is local politics" means that no matter the scope of the issues, a politician must be able to reflect the interests of his constituents, who vote for him and keep him in office. Thanks to the media, these constituents are able to see and decide if this applies to them and make their voting decisions accordingly.