"The media is not just the message. The media is a massage. We're constantly being stroked, manipulated, adjusted, realigned, and manoeuvered." This quote by Joey Skaggs is definitely applicable in today’s context. Before looking at this in depth, let’s define the key terms in the question. What exactly do we refer to as mass media and how recent is recent. Well, mass media is a term used to denote, as a class, that section of the media specifically conceived and designed to reach a very large audience such as the population of a nation state while recent events are anything of late occurrence or events that are lately happening.
Referring back to the question, the statement that mass media do not report the news but make the news definitely holds true. Often we would have followed up closely with certain news just to realize that not all the information reported is accurate.This does not apply only to current affairs but also to news on celebrities. Why is it that there seems to be more bad news reported than good? Is it because the world going to the dogs? Or simply because we are being manipulated?Media manipulation is an aspect of public relations in which partisans create an image or argument that favours their particular interests.This tactics used by the mass media involves the suppression of information or points of view by crowding them out, by inducing other people or groups of people to stop listening to certain arguments, or by simply diverting attention elsewhere.
In my essay, I will refer to three recent events namely ‘Mixed signals on granite exports to Singapore’, ‘Reports of N Korea apology 'inaccurate' and ‘Abdullah tells government officials to stop arguing through media’. I have chosen these events as recent because they have occurred within a short span of time.Citing examples from these events, I will prove how the media plays up the news instead of reporting them. The ban of sand from Indonesia to Singapore has been a topic of discussion over some time.It is clear that media had played up the news as it was stated clearly that ‘quibbles over technical terms ‘ had brought the topic of possible granite ban to light. Earlier this month, Mr Hassan and Trade Minister Mari Pangestu told Singapore that there was no export ban on granite.However, this contradicted the statement provided by several Jakarta officials who hinted a possible ban on the export of granite to Singapore.This confusion over the granite ban reported by the media has not only sent mixed messages to the readers but has also made Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda look into whether the export of granite chips should continue. So, one might then ask how the media has made the news.Well, why did the media choose to report news that might cause confusion instead of reporting the finalized decision? The reason is that the media does not report exactly what happens but twists the news to attract attention.
The second news article on inaccurate reports of North Korea’s apology reiterates the above stated point. Media had reported that North Korea had apologised for conducting a nuclear test that caused its neighbour disturbance and that it was not carrying out a second one.However, China said that the reports were inaccurate and that there is no guarantee the it will not test again. It also indicated that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. (DPRK) had no plans for a second nuclear test but if other countries impose more pressure, the DPRK may take further steps.This is clearly an example of the media not reporting the news but making their own.Thus, leading to unwanted problems.The third news is about a spat between the police and the deputy minister over conflicting crime data.Both parties not only claim that their data is accurate but also point fingers at each other telling the other had manipulated the crime rate figures.The question now is, why had the media decided to report on the argument between the government officials even though it knows that doing so will cause many to lose trust in the government.Simple! to attract attention. No doubt that they give the data , but only in a way they want us to view it.In other words, they make the news.
The media sways the public, and this is undeniable.However, is it true that the media always makes the news instead of reporting them.If so, why do we still look to newspapers as a reliable source of information Let's not forget, however, that the influence of the mass media depends not only on what and how they report, but also on how the audience perceive all that. This depends on the audience's perception, education and social affiliation as well as other circumstances. Whether we think that media makes the news or reports them is in the way we see it.When a dog bites a man that is not news, but when a man bites a dog that is news. This is the kind of news that makes people stop and read; and that is the reason why media has to make the news by presenting it in a different perspective instead of merely reporting it.
1 comment:
The way you conclude your arguments is good, as it explains and round up your reason why and how the media creates news. Good try!
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