DOCSLIB.ORG

Media Systems and Information Environments

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Media Systems and Information Environments Department of Political and Social Sciences Media Systems and Information Environments: A Comparative Approach to the Agenda­Setting Hypothesis José António Afonso Santana Pereira Thesis submitted for assessment with a view to obtaining the degree of Doctor of Political and Social Sciences of the European University Institute Florence, October 2012 EUROPEAN UNIVERSITY INSTITUTE Department of Political and Social Sciences Media Systems and Information Environments A Comparative Approach to the Agenda­ Setting Hypothesis José António Afonso Santana Pereira Thesis submitted for assessment with a view to obtaining the degree of Doctor of Political and Social Sciences of the European University Institute Examining Board: Prof. Mark N. Franklin, European University Institute (Supervisor) Prof. Alexander H. Trechsel, European University Institute (Co­supervisor) Prof. Shanto Iyengar, StanfordUniversity Prof. Susan Banducci, University of Exeter © 2012, José António Afonso Santana Pereira No part of this thesis may be copied, reproduced or transmitted without prior permission of the author ABSTRACT The present dissertation aims at the comparative study of agenda-setting (i.e., the impact of media content for the importance people give to several political and social issues) in Europe. The focus is set on the 2009 European Parliament election campaign period and one of the central objectives is to establish whether or not the media agenda-setting capacity varies from country to country, and why this may be the case. The hypothetical causes of cross-country variability are the nature of the several European media systems (in terms of development of press and TV markets, freedom of press, journalist professionalization, state intervention, media partisanship) and their effects in the informational environment, both from the perspective of the supply (information quality, diversity of agendas) and demand (trust in the media, patterns of exposure). The results show that these macro-level dimensions vary considerably in Europe, and that there is a link between media system dimensions related to political balance and agenda-setting, mediated by information quality. v vi TABLE OF CONTENTS PART I – INTRODUCTION 1. Introduction ……………………………………………………………3 1.1 Goals .................................................................................................................. 6 1.2 Geographical Scope and Time Frame ....................................................... 11 1.3 Data Sources ................................................................................................... 13 1.4 Thesis Overview ............................................................................................ 14 PART II - THEORY 2. Agenda-Setting. Four Decades of Research………………....…….19 2.1 Political Communication Research Prior to Agenda-Setting ............... 20 2.1.1 The Reaction to the Minimal Effects Paradigm .................................. 24 2.1.1.1 Malaise vs. Mobilization/Learning .............................................. 24 2.1.1.2 Persuasion Studies ........................................................................ 27 2.1.1.3 Agenda-Setting, Priming and Framing ........................................ 28 2.2 The Concept of Agenda-Setting ................................................................. 29 2.2.1 Agendas ................................................................................................... 30 2.2.2 Agenda Capacity .................................................................................... 32 2.2.3 Issue Salience, Importance and Relevance .......................................... 34 2.2.4 Linear vs. Non-linear Approaches ....................................................... 36 2.3 First Agenda-Setting Studies and Subsequent Research ...................... 37 2.3.1 Taxonomies of Agenda-Setting Research ............................................ 40 2.4 The Mechanisms Underlying Agenda-Setting ........................................ 51 2.4.1 The Audience – Learners or Victims? .................................................. 51 2.4.2 The Media Effect – Intentional or Mediational? ................................. 53 2.5 The Moderators of Agenda-Setting ........................................................... 54 2.5.1 Individual-level Moderators ................................................................ 55 2.5.2 Issue-related Moderators ....................................................................... 62 2.6 So What? The Relevance of Agenda-Setting ........................................... 66 2.7 Agenda-Setting, Spiral of Silence, Uses and Gratifications ................. 70 2.8 Critical Appraisal of Agenda-Setting Studies ......................................... 71 vii 3. Media Systems and Information Environments………………….75 3.1 The Concept of Media System.................................................................... 76 3.1.1 Definition ................................................................................................. 76 3.1.2 A History of Theoretical Models .......................................................... 78 3.2 Relevant Features of Media Systems ........................................................ 85 3.2.1 Development of Media Markets ........................................................... 85 3.2.2 Strength of Public TV ............................................................................. 88 3.2.3 Freedom of Press ..................................................................................... 92 3.2.4 Journalist Professionalization ............................................................... 94 3.2.5 Partisanship/Balance ............................................................................. 97 3.3 Information Environment ......................................................................... 103 3.3.1 Information Quality .............................................................................. 103 3.3.2 Media Agenda Diversity...................................................................... 110 3.3.3 Trust in the Media ................................................................................ 110 3.3.3 Exposure ................................................................................................ 103 3.4 Final Notes.................................................................................................... 113 PART III - MEDIA SYSTEMS AND INFORMATION ENVIRONMENTS 4. Studying Media Systems and Information Environments in Europe, 2009: Hypotheses and Data ………………….……………..117 4.1 Hypotheses ................................................................................................... 118 4.2. Data Sources ................................................................................................ 121 4.3 Variable Operationalization ..................................................................... 122 4.3.1 Development of Press Markets ........................................................... 122 4.3.2 Public TV Strength ................................................................................ 125 4.3.3 Freedom of Press ................................................................................... 125 4.3.4 Journalist Professionalization ............................................................. 129 4.3.5 Partisanship/Balance ........................................................................... 131 4.3.6 Information Quality .............................................................................. 134 4.3.7 Media Agenda Diversity...................................................................... 136 4.3.8 Trust ........................................................................................................ 134 4.3.9 Exposure ................................................................................................ 136 4.4 Final Notes.................................................................................................... 139 viii 5. Media Systems and Information Environments in Europe……141 5.1 Descriptive Analysis of Media Systems ................................................. 142 5.1.1 Development of Press Markets .......................................................... 142 5.1.2 Strength of Public TV ........................................................................... 151 5.1.3 Freedom of Press ................................................................................... 155 5.1.4 Journalist Professionalization ............................................................. 158 5.1.5 Partisanship/Balance........................................................................... 162 5.1.5 Relationship between Media System Dimensions ........................... 169 5.2 Analysis of Information Environments .................................................. 175 5.2.1 Quality .................................................................................................... 176 5.2.2 Trust ........................................................................................................ 176 5.2.3 Exposure ................................................................................................ 176 5.2.4 Media Agenda Diversity...................................................................... 176 5.3 Final Comments .......................................................................................... 197 PART IV - AGENDA-SETTING 6. Assessing Agenda-Setting in the EU, 2009………...…………….205
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Fear, Media and Self-Confidence: Chinese Students’ Willingness to Express Opinion
    FEAR, MEDIA AND SELF-CONFIDENCE: CHINESE STUDENTS’ WILLINGNESS TO EXPRESS OPINION A Thesis submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences of Georgetown University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Communication, Culture and Technology By Wei Zou, B.A. Washington, D.C. April 21, 2021 Copyright 2021by Wei Zou All Rights Reserved ii FEAR, MEDIA AND SELF-CONFIDENCE: CHINESE STUDENTS’ WILLINGNESS TO EXPRESS OPINION Wei Zou, B.A. Thesis Advisor: Diana Owen, Ph.D. ABSTRACT COVID -19’s early spread in the United States raised many opposing perspectives on wearing a face mask in public, and hate crime towards the Asian community. This study is dedicated to understanding the Chinese students’ willingness to express their opinion about whether people should wear face masks in public before the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommended doing so. We draw three factors: “fear of isolation”, “influence of media” and “lack of self-confidence” based on two communication theories “Spiral of Silence Theory” and “Magic Bullet Theory”. We intend to examine the three factors’ influence on Chinese students’ willingness of opinion expression. We employed a survey research method (n=66) and contingency table analysis. We were able to discover trends and patterns that corresponded with the assumptions of Noelle-Neumann, and also the results supported our hypothesis that Chinese students with low- level fear of isolation tend to be more likely to share their opinion on mask wearing in public. Moreover, we surprisingly discovered that opinion efficacy is a significant predictor to predict Chinese students’ willingness to share their opinion through digital platforms.
    [Show full text]
  • History of Media Effects
    Zurich Open Repository and Archive University of Zurich Main Library Strickhofstrasse 39 CH-8057 Zurich www.zora.uzh.ch Year: 2008 History of Media Effects Esser, Frank Posted at the Zurich Open Repository and Archive, University of Zurich ZORA URL: https://doi.org/10.5167/uzh-8070 Book Section Originally published at: Esser, Frank (2008). History of Media Effects. In: Donsbach, W. The International Encyclopedia of Communication. London: Blackwell, 2891-2896. © 2008 by Blackwell Publishing Ltd BLACKWELL PUBLISHING 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148-5020, USA 9600 Garsington Road, Oxford OX4 2DQ, UK 550 Swanston Street, Carlton, Victoria 3053, Australia The right of Wolfgang Donsbach to be identified as the author of the editorial material in this work has been asserted in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, except as permitted by the UK Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, without the prior permission of the publisher. Designations used by companies to distinguish their products are often claimed as trademarks. All brand names and product names used in this book are trade names, service marks, trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. The publisher is not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book. This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold on the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering professional services.
    [Show full text]
  • Communication Theories: University of Twente
    COMMUNICATION THEORIES ABOUT THE THEORIES The theories presented here are related to communication. Students can use these theories as a rich source for a better understanding of the theoretical fieldwork of communication. Choosing a theory for an assignment or report is made easier, since you are able to ‘browse’ through the different theories. All theories which are selected are used in the courses of communication studies. Stay critical when you use a theory, because theories are subjectively measured. A lot of theories are mentioned below, make your own judgment about which theories are most helpful and think why they are helpful. ABOUT (THE HISTORY OF) THIS DOCUMENT This compilation of communication theories has been created in 2003/2004 by members of the • Communication Science research departments • Bachelor’s program Communication Science • Master’s program Communication Studies of the University of Twente in Enschede, The Netherlands. We published the (unchanged list of) theories online for 15 years, until 2019. The website is offline now, but due to a lot of interest in this list of theories we keep the original 2003/2004 collection available for the public in this document. This pdf is available for download on www.utwente.nl/communication-theories. Contents 1. Communication and Information Technology .................................................................................... 4 1. Adaptive Structuration Theory ....................................................................................................... 4 2.
    [Show full text]
  • Mac 211 Course Title: Theories of Mass Communication
    NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES COURSE CODE: MAC 211 COURSE TITLE: THEORIES OF MASS COMMUNICATION 2 COURSE GUIDE COURSE CODE MAC 211 COURSE TITLE THEORIES OF MASS COMMUNICATION COURSE TEAM COURSE DEVELOPER Chidinma H. Onwubere (PhD) (NOUN) COURSE WRITERS Chidinma H. Onwubere (PhD) School of Arts and Social Sciences National Open University of Nigeria, Victoria Island, Lagos [email protected] Adile Iroajugh Okuwa Global Scan systems Ltd Victoria Island, Lagos. EDITOR Dr Josef Bel-Molokwu School of Media and Communication Pan African University NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA 3 MAC 211 Theories of Mass Communication COURSE GUIDE National Open University of Nigeria Headquarters 14/16 Ahmadu Bello Way Victoria Island Lagos Abuja Office National Open University of Nigeria 5, Dar Es Salaam Street, Off Aminu Kano Crescent Wuse II, Abuja Nigeria e-mail: [email protected] URL: www.nou.edu.ng Published by National Open University of Nigeria Printed ISBN: All Rights Reserved 4 MAC 211 Theories of Mass Communication CONTENTS PAGE Introduction ………………………………………………………… 1 Course Contents…………………………………………………….. 1 Course Aims………………………………………………………... 1 Course Objectives…………………………………………………... 2 Working Through the Course……………………………………… Course Materials………………………………………………..…... 2 Study Units……………………………………………………..…… 2 Textbooks and References………………………………………….. 3 Assignments………………………………………………………... 3 Tutor Marked Assignment …………………………………….…… 3 Final Examination and Grading ………………………………..….. 4 Course Marking Scheme…………………………………………… Overview of Course/Presentation Schedule……………………….. Facilitators/Tutors and Tutorials…………………………………… 4 Summary……………………………………………………….…… 4 5 MAC 211 Theories of Mass Communication INTRODUCTION The Course code and title of this course is MAC 211: THEORIES OF MASS COMMUNICATION. This course will introduce you to the various theories of mass communication and gives you appreciable understanding of the conceptual perspectives, relevance and approaches for the application of the mass communication theories.
    [Show full text]
  • (Affiliated to Bharathidasan University, Trichy) PERAMBALUR
    SRINIVASAN COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCE (Affiliated to Bharathidasan University, Trichy) PERAMBALUR - 621 212. DEPARTMENT OF JOURNALISM & MASS COMMUNICATION I-B.A., JMC - II SEMESTER (EVEN) A COURSE MATEARIAL ON: Mass Communication Theories 16ACCJM4 Prepared By: D. DURGA , M.A., M.L.I.S., M.Phil., Assistant Professor in English, MARCH 2020 Syllabus Objective: This course will facilitate to understand the fundamental functions of model and theory to apply theoretical perspectives in addressing demands in their personal and professional lives. UNIT I Communication models and theories – Basic concepts; SMCR- Sender, Message, channel, receiver, feedback . UNIT II Growth of Communication models –Lasswell’s model, Berlo’s SMCR model, Gerbner’s model, Shannon and Weavers Mathematical model – Osgood and Schramm model. UNIT III Bullet theory, Hypodermic needle theory, Agenda setting theory , spiral of silence, two step flow theory UNIT IV Mass media effects theory- catharsis, narcosis, reinforcement, incidental, uses and gratification theory, cultivation theory, UNIT V Press theories: Authoritarian, Libertarian, social responsibility, soviet media theory, development communication theory and democratisation theory. Reference Books: 1. Mass Communication Theory — Denis McQuail. New Delhi: Vistaar Publications, 2005. 2. Essentials Of Mass Communication Theory — Arthur Asa Berger. New Delhi: Sage Publications, 1995. 3. Mass Communication In India — Keval J. Kumar. Chennai: Jaico Publishing, 2000. 4. A Dictionary Of Communication & Media Studies — James Watson & Anne Hill. New Delhi: UNIT I Communication Models and Theories Communication models are systematic representations of the process which helps in understanding how communication works can be done. Models show the process metaphorically and in symbols. They form general perspectives on communication by breaking communication from complex to simple and keep the components in order.
    [Show full text]
  • Rethinking the Bullet Theory in the Digital Age
    International Journal of Media, Journalism and Mass Communications (IJMJMC) Volume 4, Issue 2, 2018, PP 1-10 ISSN 2454-9479 http://dx.doi.org/10.20431/2454-9479.0402001 www.arcjournals.org Rethinking the Bullet Theory in the Digital Age Chinenye Nwabueze1*, Ebere Okonkwo2 1, 2 Department of Mass Communication, Faculty of Social Sciences, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam Campus, Nigeria *Corresponding Author: Chinenye Nwabueze, Department of Mass Communication, Faculty of Social Sciences, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam Campus, Nigeria Abstract : This study examined the relevance of the Magic Bullet theory also called the Hypodermic Needle theory in the digital age. It adopted the qualitative approach is exploring the following objectives - examining the basic tenets of the Magic Bullet Theory, analyzing the arguments against the Magic Bullet theory, and examining the relevance of the Magic Bullet theory in the social media age. The analysis was premised on two key issues which were spread by the social media – the Monkey Pox Killer Vaccine incident of October 2017 and the Salt Water Bath incident of August 2014 during the Ebola Virus Outbreak that year. The study established that the Magic Bullet theory was still relevant today as the audience react in an „actively passive‟ manner to certain media contents. The study found what could be described as the “Zombie Effect” reaction to specific media contents by audience in the digital age, supporting the credence of the magic bullet theory in the digital age. The study recommended further studies on bullet theory using other issues so as to further establish relevance of this theory in the digital age, contrary to postulations that the theory is no longer relevant in contemporary society.
    [Show full text]
  • Media Studies 101 Media Studies 101
    Media Studies 101 Media Studies 101 A Creative Commons Textbook Dr Erika Pearson, Dr Sy Taffel, Dr Brett Nicholls, Martina Wengenmeir, Khin-Wee Chen, Hazel Phillips, Collette Snowden, Bernard Madill, Jane Ross, Sarah Gallagher, Thelma Fisher, Shah Nister J. Kabir, Maud Ceuterick, Hannah Mettner and Massimiliana Urbano This text is open under a Creative Commons NZ BY license. That means you are free to download a copy, chop it up, rework it, rewrite sections, modify and change this text, as long as you acknowledge us. Please let us know if you are using this text, either as it is or remixed – we welcome your ideas for future versions. Contents About viii mediatexthack Introduction, and How To Use This Text x I. Part One: Reading Media Texts 1. Analysing Texts: Media and Theory 2 mediatexthack 2. Communication & Culture 6 mediatexthack 3. Intercultural Communication 9 mediatexthack 4. Semiotics 12 mediatexthack 5. Signs and Signifiers 13 mediatexthack 6. Sign Systems 15 mediatexthack 7. Semiotics and Communication Processes 17 mediatexthack 8. Codes 18 mediatexthack 9. Two-step flow of communication 20 mwengenmeir 10. Gender and politics 22 11. Limitations of minimal effects model 23 chenkhinwee II. Part Two: Culture and Contexts 12. Ideology 25 mediatexthack 13. Discourse, Institutions, and Power 28 mediatexthack 14. Institutions 29 mediatexthack 15. Discourse and Institutions 31 mediatexthack iv 16. Media and Democracy 32 mwengenmeir 17. Habermas' Public Sphere 34 mwengenmeir 18. Who is 'the Public'? 36 mwengenmeir 19. Media Effects - introduction 38 mediatexthack 20. The Hypodermic Needle 39 mwengenmeir 21. Minimal effects models - the post WWII years 40 chenkhinwee 22.
    [Show full text]