PA001 Agenda Setting

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NURS 6050 Policy and Advocacy for Improving Population Health

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Introduction

The objective of this theory application paper is to utilize agenda setting theory for analyzing the influence of different types of political TV shows, including CNN News, BBC News, Al Jazeera, NBC News, and MSNBC, on adolescents. Maxwell McCombs & Donald Shaw developed agenda-setting theory, asserting that the media agenda significantly shapes the public agenda (Griffin, Ledbetter & Sparks, 2019). This implies that news media can influence the perceived importance of public agenda topics, potentially leading adolescents to engage in discussions on issues such as terrorism, immigration, human injustices, and corruption. However, this can also result in adolescents discussing matters beyond their understanding and developing divisive attitudes based on race and nationality.

Background

Television remains a primary source of information on trending political topics for many people, including adolescents. Political TV shows often highlight various societal issues to engage viewers in discussions. Adolescents, spending considerable time watching TV, may perceive these highlighted issues as more critical, potentially leading to biased perceptions and negative attitudes towards certain groups. Political TV news tends to air negative content, impacting adolescent mental health (Holbert et al., 2007). Additionally, news coverage influences adolescents’ perceptions of issues like terrorism, often leading to distorted beliefs (Kruikemeier & Shehata, 2017).

Theoretical Framework

Agenda-setting theory posits that media filters and shapes reality for audiences, emphasizing selected topics based on their perceived appeal. Editors act as gatekeepers, determining what content reaches the public (Griffin, Ledbetter & Sparks, 2019). Media coverage influences public perceptions and policy agendas, highlighting certain issues while downplaying others. Agenda setting is crucial in politics, as it affects public opinion and policy decisions.

NURS 6050 Assessment 1 PA001 Agenda Setting

Literature Review

Research using agenda-setting theory shows how political TV news influences adolescents. Such news stations shape discussions, often focusing on issues like minority rights, elections, and political scandals. Coverage of events like the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal or the Iraq War impacts adolescent perceptions and behaviors (Yioutas & Segvic, 2003). Political TV news framing can create biases and negative perceptions of politicians, influencing adolescent attitudes and behaviors (Caulk, 2016).

Research Questions

How can parents prevent their children from being influenced by political TV news?
How do political TV news channels contribute to bias among politicians?

Case Study

Political TV news channels influence public perception, particularly during elections. For instance, coverage of the 2016 US Presidential election portrayed candidates in certain lights, impacting voter opinions and behaviors (Faris et al., 2017). Gender biases are also perpetuated, affecting adolescent views on gender roles and political participation (Kaklamanidou & Tally, 2016).

Analysis

Political TV news impacts adolescents’ perceptions, behaviors, and attitudes towards politicians and elections. Biased coverage and framing contribute to negative attitudes and behaviors among adolescents. Parents must monitor and guide adolescents’ media consumption to mitigate these influences.

Conclusion

Political TV news, through agenda-setting, shapes public perceptions and behaviors, including those of adolescents. Biased coverage and framing can lead to negative attitudes and behaviors among adolescents, necessitating parental guidance and media literacy education.

PA001 Agenda Setting