Mass Media- Pluralism

Question 1

Diversity and choice.

Answer 1

Argue we live in a democracy with a variety of views.

Media represents variety.

Media representations of social groups reflect society and you can agree or disagree.

Question 2

Supply and demand.

Answer 2

Media professionals are in competition and are governed by the market they serve.

Pluralists believe the media reflects the change in society.

Question 3

Media workers are skilled professionals.

Answer 3

Believe self regulation happens in the media. If journalists go against professional values they will be exposed and dealt with.

If social groups would be presented unfairly then people would stop using media products.

Question 4

Media is the fourth estate.

Answer 4

First three estates- courts, church and government.

Media gives access to info that is essential for democracy.

Provide a ‘checking service’ to make sure election candidates keep up to promises.

Question 5

Schlesinger.

Answer 5

News diary

Stories that are definitely reported on and placed in the news diary e.g. Royal birth.

Question 6

Barnett and Weymour.

Answer 6

Desire for profits actually leads to less diversity.

What’s most popular.

Question 7

Humphrey’s.

Answer 7

Challenging programmes are avoided.

Question 8

Pluralist view.

Answer 8

Represent the perspective of the media professionals.

They view the media as ‘offering a window into the world’ rather than unrealistic portrayal.