Does press coverage indicate support or opposition of an individual or a position?

[pinto]

Media is everywhere these days. I mean it runs the gamut from world events, politics, regional conflicts, health care issues, religion, weather related events and the latest incidence of seemingly random violence.

All understandably draw our attention. All pieces of the world we share. Does the coverage impact your view points? Is the coverage itself an issue?

I ask because the current Catholic pope has gotten some air time recently. And back and forth in the media as well as here on DU.

What's your take?.

[Act_of_Reparation]

1. In the spirit of brevity.

Does the coverage impact your view points?

No.

Is the coverage itself an issue?

Yes.

What's your take?

In the case of the Pope, it is circular problem. The press runs positive stories about the Pope, consumers respond well, so the press keeps running positive stories about the Pope, which in turn reinforces people's opinions.

It's hard to tell which came first, but personally I think the news coverage of the man is a case study in confirmation bias. The pope makes vague, ostensibly pleasant statements, and without further investigation, the news runs them as "ground breaking" moments for the Church. People respond well because people really want reform in the Church. Nothing ever comes of these "ground breaking" moments, of course. But it doesn't matter, because people forget about that as soon as the press runs yet another "ground breaking" moment.

[cbayer]

3. This is really interesting, because I am trying to think of a single other individual

that the press promotes in a positive way.

There have been other examples in the past, but they have also been religious figures for the most part. Ghandi, Mandela, King.

I think it's too soon to say nothing ever comes of these moments. That may be the case, but I think this needs more time.

[pinto]

4. I think it may be circular, as well. In that media subjects read the same media as we all do.

In all venues.

[cbayer]

2. I think the media coverage of the pope is helping him quite a bit.

I run hot and cold on what he says, but I think the overall impression of many is very positive.

The media is unquestionably powerful and can put a very powerful spin on any topic.

And I, just like everyone else, are vulnerable to what they do.

[pinto]

8. I tend to be a fairly voracious media consumer, at times. I look for balance though. Or take a break

My impression of this pope is pretty positive. Some of it may be a "figurehead" presentation - and he seems very media savvy - but I don't discount the value of that.

[cbayer]

10. I think you are much more media savvy then most people

and I know you read things with a critical eye.

My impression is also pretty positive. In both Italy and Mexico, the positive feelings about him are really evident, and I think much more enthusiastic than they have been in the past.

[pinto]

12. Good point - he's not speaking solely to a US audience.

I bet he gets that.

[cbayer]

13. He is speaking to catholics, and in particular to catholics that

have "wandered".

And they seem to be listening.

[okasha]

15. He's also uniquely situated

in regard to "the global South" in general and Latin America in particular.

[beam me up scottie]

5. I'll admit it, I expect more from DU.

And I'm frequently disappointed.

Whether it's ebola, the Maher/Affleck debacle, or the Taylor Swift-esque fawning over Pope Francis, DUers are obviously not immune to FOX news style "journalism" and react as expected to headlines designed to misinform and affect opinion.

[pinto]

6. I think you underestimate many DUers or discount some day-to-day off line opinions.

I see a lot of reasoned opinion here across many issues. I see the same in my town. The outliers may get more buzz, but they are just that- outliers, imo.

(aside) I've no clue who Taylor Swift is.

[beam me up scottie]

9. I wish I could believe that.

Maybe I should stop going to the greatest page.

And you'll probably hate me for calling it to your attention but here is what I meant by that reference:

Taylor Swift Just Went to No. 1 on iTunes Canada With Eight Seconds of Static
By Forrest Wickman


If there’s ever been any question about the power of Taylor Swift’s name to move records, this should dispel it. Some sort of glitch in the Canadian version of iTunes Tuesday morning led to the release of what was ostensibly a new track from her album. The record, for now titled only “Track 3,” is nothing more than eight seconds of static, but that didn’t stop fans from taking it straight to No. 1.


As of this morning the eight seconds of white noise—which we should have embedded for your pleasure shortly—remains at No. 1, where it sits just ahead of, of course, two other songs from Taylor Swift.

http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2014/10/21/taylor_swift_goes_no_1_on_itunes_canada_with_8_seconds_of_static_listen.html

I really wish I had never heard of her (or been forced to listen to her "music&quot either but it's everywhere.

[pinto]

11. LOL. Totally missed that.

And it's probably a good thing.

[okasha]

14. That's two of us.

I had to ask some of the younger art students who the Kardashians are.

[okasha]

7. In response to your headline question,

if it pays, it plays.

The media run stories that will attract the greatest audience, which will in turn attract high-ticket advertising.