Assignment: Role of the Media

The media plays a significant role in sharing stories that matter to the public. However, the media is also influenced by television ratings and tends to highlight those stories and information that increase its ratings (Uscinski, 2009, p. 796).

In fact, throughout history, it has been noted that "if it bleeds, it leads"-which means, the more gruesome and bloody the story, the greater the ratings.

• What role should the media play while covering stories and issues on terrorism?
• Should the violence depicted in the media be censored in an effort to prevent public fear and panic? Why?
• Does the media provide a realistic and fair depiction of terrorism?

Reference: Uscinski, J. (2009). When does the public's issue agenda affect the media's issue agenda (and vice versa)? Developing a framework for media-public influence. Social Science Quarterly, 90(4), 796-815.