Interest Groups and the Media
BY: HAYA AKHRAS, RHEA NAIR, ESTHER LEE
AND JULIA HAYES
Chapter 11 Objectives
Explain why the characteristics of American society and government
encourage a multiplicity of interest groups, and compare the American and
British experiences in this regard.
2. Describe relations between leaders and rank-and-file members of groups,
including why the sentiments of members may not determine the actions of
leaders.
3. Describe several methods that interest groups use to formulate and carry
out their political objectives, especially the lobbying techniques used to gain
public support. Explain why courts have become an important forum for
public-interest groups.
4. List the laws regulating conflict of interest, and describe the problems
involved with “revolving door” government employment. Describe the
provisions of the 1978 conflict-of-interest law. Explain the suggestions that
have been made for stricter laws. Describe the balance between the First
Amendment’s freedom of expression and the need to prevent corruption in
the political systems.
1.
Chapter 12 Objectives
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Describe the evolution of journalism in American political history, and
describe the differences between the party press and the mass media of
today.
Demonstrate how the characteristics of the electronic media have affected
the actions of public officials and candidates for national office.
Describe the effect of the pattern of ownership and control of the media on
the dissemination of news, and show how wire services and television
networks have affected national news coverage. Discuss the influence of the
national press.
Describe the rules that govern the media, and contrast the regulation of
electronic and print media. Describe the effect of libel laws on freedom of
the press and of government rules on broadcasters.
Assess the effect of the media on politics, and discuss why it is difficult to
find evidence that can be used to make a meaningful and accurate
assessment. Explain why the executive branch probably benefits at the
expense of Congress.
Important Highlights in Chapter 11
Money and PACs
Money is least effective way to influence politicians
Campaign finance reform law of 1973 had two effects
Restricted amount interest groups can give to candidates
Made it legal for corporations and unions to create PACs
Recent increase in ideological PACs; one-third liberal, two-thirds conservative
Ideological PACs raise more but spend less because of cost of raising money
In 2000 unions and business organizations gave most
Incumbents get most PAC money
Business PACs split money between Democrats and Republicans
Democrats get most PAC money
No evidence PAC money influences votes in Congress
Most members vote their ideology
…continued
Regulating interest groups
Protection by First Amendment
1946 law accomplished little in requiring registration
1995 lobby act enacted by Congress
Lobbyists must report twice annually
2007 reforms by Democrats
Gifts from registered lobbyists or firms that employ them
Reimbursement for travel costs from registered lobbyists or forms that employ them
Reimbursements for travel for trips organized or requested by registered lobbyists or
firms that employ them
Rules will probably be enforces “strictly speaking”
Exceptions, loopholes and need for clarification
Still room for evasion and abuse
Significant restraints prior to 1995 still in effect
Important Highlights in Chapter 12
Rules governing the media
Newspapers almost entirely free from government regulation; prosecutions only after
the fact and limited: libel, obscenity, incitement
Radio and television licensed, regulated
Reporters want right to keep sources confidential
Most states and federal government disagree
Supreme Court allows government to compel reporters to divulge information in court
if it bears on a crime
Regulating broadcasting
Seven years for radio
Five years for television
Stations must serve “community needs”
Public service, other aspects can be regulated
Recent movement to deregulate
License renewal by postcard
No hearing unless opposed
Relaxation of rule enforcement
Radio broadcasting deregulated the most
Telecommunications Act of 1996 permits one company to own as many as eight
stations in large markets (five in smaller ones)
…Continued
Campaigning
Equal time rule applies
Equal access for all candidates
Rates no higher than least expensive commercial rate
Debates formerly had to include all candidates
Reagan-Carter debate sponsored by LWV as a “news event”
Now stations and networks can sponsor
THE GAME
Each quad is a team
One person from each team will go up one at a time to
receive a password.
They must hint the password to their own team using 7
words only. **They are not allowed to use the password
in their 7 words
The team has 1 minute to guess the password from the
word bank. They also have three guesses.
If the team doesn’t get the word within the minute, they
don’t get the point.
The team with the most points gets candy.
WORD BANK
PLURALIST THEORY
POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
LOBBYIST
LOBBY
SOLIDARY
MATERIAL
PUBLIC-INTEREST LOBBY
IDEOLOGICAL INTEREST GROUPS
ASSOCIATED PRESS
ATTACK JOURNALISM
CANNED NEWS
COMMUNITY NEEDS
EQUAL TIME RULES
FAIRNESS DOCTRINE
FCC
FEATURED STORIES
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT
INSIDER STORIES
MUCKRAKERS
OFFICIAL SECRETS ACT
0
