Health and Advertising

                        Advertisements are such a large part of everyday life through television, billboards, and magazines that we often neglect to acknowledge the powerful impact they can have on our overall wellbeing and health. As consumers, we are constantly bombarded with advertisements which use false images and scenarios designed to make us desire not only products, but also a certain perceived image, regardless of the negative effects of trying to obtain this unachievable lifestyle. Advertisements which portray beauty as being a certain size, as well as ones that promote the use of tobacco, alcohol, and prescription drugs can often cause detrimental health effects to a misguided audience.

            My personal experience with being effected by seeing advertisements which portrayed beauty as being a stick figure size allowed me to easily relate to the challenges faced by women everyday who see these advertisements. For most of my life, I have greatly struggled with self-image. This is due to the fact that the majority of what I have seen in magazines and on television are extremely skinny people advertising the latest and coolest clothing. When I was thirteen, I looked at my first Teen Vogue magazine, and was convinced that the only way I could be truly happy and beautiful was to be the same size as the models pictured. Even though I came from a loving and supportive family who told me I was perfect just the way I was, certain aesthetically pleasing advertisements which showcased thin girls wearing stunning clothing and being surrounded by attractive guys warped my thought process and convinced me that I wasn’t beautiful. It wasn’t until I was older that I finally realized that beauty actually does come in all shapes and sizes. Many young girls and women struggle with eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia because they are made to believe that looking like the models do in the advertisements will allow them to be seen as beautiful. This is dangerous because a person’s mindset can become negative as they try to obtain an unrealistic and unhealthy weight. On the opposite, but still equally unhealthy side, some advertisements promote very unhealthy foods which can cause health problems such as obesity. Richard Campbell states, “More troubling is that an obese nation is good for business (creating a multibillion-dollar market for diet products, exercise equipment, and self-help books), so media outlets see little reason to change current ad practices” (408).

From: http://momgrind.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/skinny-models.jpg
An advertisement featuring very skinny models. 

            Fortunately, the use of advertisements promoting tobacco are now very much restricted due to the poor effects tobacco has historically had on public health. Campbell states, “Each year an estimated 400,000 Americans die from diseases related to nicotine addiction and poisoning.” (408). In the past, the tobacco industry has attempted to appeal to teenagers. This was shown through the cartoon character Joe Camel who represented Camel cigarettes. The design of Joe Camel was effectively updated to appeal to teenagers. Campbell states, “One study revealed that before 1988 fewer than 1 percent of teens under age eighteen smoked Camels. After the ad blitz, however, 33 percent of this age group preferred Camels” (408). Camel has additionally attempted to appeal to women and African Americans through their advertisements. Due to the fact that tobacco companies had known all along that nicotine was addictive, their advertising became strictly limited as retribution by the government’s health division. One of the major provisions stated that tobacco companies could no longer target young people in their advertisements, thus Joe Camel was no longer used. Additionally, tobacco companies were no longer allowed to sponsor athletic events or concerts. It is important to note that these provisions are not global, but instead only apply in the United States.

From:http://www.artofsmoking.com/images/motorcycle.jpg
A picture of Joe Camel. This cartoon increased the number of teenagers who smoked Camel cigarettes. 

 

            Drinking alcohol can have negative effects on a person’s health. Alcohol can impair ones thought process as well as contribute to diseases such as liver failure. Campbell states, “Every year, about 100,000 people die from alcohol-related diseases, and another 16,000 to 17,000 die in car crashes involving drunk drivers” (409). Like tobacco companies, alcohol advertisements have come under great scrutiny for trying to appeal to young people. The pressure put on young people, especially college students, to drink alcohol is extreme. Alcohol is perceived in advertisements as something that will give you an edge and seem cooler, sexier, and more powerful. However, as Campbell states, “In reality, though, alcohol is a chemical depressant; it diminishes athletic ability and sexual performance, triggers addiction in roughly 10 percent of the U.S. population, and factors into mostly domestic abuse cases” (409-411).

From: http://sentalala13.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/josecuervo271210448_std-40202625_std.jpg
An advertisement which is trying to appeal to people by being "cool" and "sexy".

            Although prescription drugs can be very helpful to many people, they can also carry negative effects. Advertisements often only show the benefits of prescription pills which greatly pressures a person to try the prescription pill because they are under the false impression that all of their health problems will be fixed. However, many advertisements do not give the viewer a chance to consider the risks of the medicine. It later came out that the medicine known as Vioxx, had harsh side effects. Effective advertisements for prescription drugs can be tempting because they seem relatable and as if whatever physical or emotional problems you are struggling with will be cured by the medicine. However, viewers must remember that these advertisements only last about one to two minutes and that is not enough time to process all of the possible side effects that could greatly affect your body.

From: http://prescriptiondrugs.procon.org/files/1-prescription-drugs-images/vioxx.jpg
An advertisement for Vioxx which was a prescription drug that had harsh side effects. 

 

            It is challenging living in a society in which advertisements have such a powerful effect on us. Advertisements teach us that there is only one physical look which qualifies as beautiful, that tobacco and alcohol are cool, and that prescription pills will solve all of our problems. We are continuously subjected to advertisements that are so well done that we begin to desire the product and lifestyle being shown in them. We often neglect to consider the health risks involved with attempting to obtain the falsely portrayed lifestyle in the advertisement. It is important to be educated on what these health risks are so that we do not fall victim to the cunning ways of advertisements.  

 

Independent Films

            If you’re anything like me, you have a great appreciation for big blockbuster hits with million dollar budgets which produce spectacular special effects. However, a lower budget, well thought out film, can give an individual deep insights and even have the power to change one's perspective on important issues.The rise of these films, known as indie films, or independent films, is interesting to observe in order to gain a better understanding of how these movies became successful and well known through the decreasing cost of portable technology, reliance on real- life situations, and film festivals. Although independent films have faced difficult challenges within recent years, the high quality themes and storylines have allowed them to still find a niche of success.  

            Some real works of art have come from independent films such as The Wrestler and Black Swan. Independent filmmakers are able to stay in business because of the cheaper costs of digital cameras and computer editing. This means that filmmakers no longer have to purchase extremely expensive filming equipment. Additionally, as Richard Campbell states, “They make movies inexpensively, relying on real-life situations, stage actors and nonactors, crews made up of friends and students, and local nonstudio settings” (256). The realism of certain independent films appeals to many people, as well as the strong sense of attention to detail put toward story line and character development. Certain indie movies, such as the ones listed above, do not depend on huge studio systems to produce their movies but instead, do it on their own.

From: http://www.thefloralfedora.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/natalie-portman-in-black-swan_083878.jpg
Black Swan, a successful independently made film.

            Even though indie movies are produced without the help of Hollywood studios, these massive studios are usually essential in helping these movies be distributed and seen by large audiences. This is done through major film festivals such as the Sundance Film Festival (held every January), the Toronto Film Festival, and New York’s Tribeca Film Festival. These film festivals show independent films, and therefore provide opportunities for them to be picked up and distributed by major studios like Warner Bros., 20^th Century Fox, and Paramount. According to Campbell, Films such as Little Miss Sunshine (2006), 500 Days of Summer (2009), Our Idiot Brother (2011), and Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012) were able to generate industry buzz and garner major studio distribution deals through Sundance screenings, becoming star vehicles for several directors and actors” (256). Additional methods such as smaller film festivals and art-house theatres are mostly used to generate buzz about independent movies usually before they premier at the major festivals like Sundance. Campbell goes on to describe the powerful impact of film festivals as he states, “Some major studios even purchased successful independent film companies (Disney’s purchase of Miramax) or have developed in-house indie divisions (Sony’s Sony Pictures Classics) to specifically handle the development and distribution of indies” (256).  Although these major studios often times are what brings fame to indie movies, there are some exceptions, one being the horror film The Blair Witch Project. This movie did premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. However, it was not distributed by a major movie company, but instead an independent one known as Artisan Entertainment (Reuters, 2000). This seems to be a case in which buzz about the movie was primarily spread through word of mouth. Interestingly, Artisan Entertainment is no longer a company, as it went public in 2000.

From: http://www.rlemay.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/official_laurels.png
The logo for the Sundance Film Festival.

From: http://www.galactic-squid.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/500-days.jpg
A still from the movie, 500 Days of Summer.

            Even though indie movies have experienced much success, they have unfortunately faced recent challenges. Miramax, which was a leading independent film company, was sold by Disney. Additionally, Campbell states, “Viacom folded its independent unit, Paramount Vantage, into its main studio; and Time Warner closed its Warner Independent and Picturehouse in-house indie divisions” (Campbell 256). These problems are due to the challenges our economy has faced within the last several years, and has caused indie filmmakers to have to rely more on methods like Netflix.

            It is important to have both an understanding and appreciation for independent films. The observance and further research of some of these films helps a person to understand the challenges faced by independent films as well as how cheaper digital technology, a real- life story line, and film festivals have contributed to the success of independent films. Independent films have truly shaped the way movies are made and on a more personal note, some of them have really shaped my views. Independent films are important because they reach people on a deeper level as well as give brilliant film makers a chance to share their ideas with the world.

From: http://images.forbes.com/media/lists/companies/netflix_200x200.jpg
The logo for Netflix, a streaming system which allows many Independent films to be viewed.

 

Works Cited

Reuters. (2000). Artisan Entertainment Plans Public Offering. Latimes.com, Retrieved October 30, 2014.

 

                                                   Reformations in Music
A topic which was of great interest to me was the idea of music being a changing industry. Our textbook, Media & Culture: Mass Communication in a Digital Age, provides us with a chapter entitled “Sound Recording and Popular Music.” This chapter provides insight into the reformations in popular music which involved the British invasion, Motown music, folk and psychedelic music, punk, grunge and alternative music, and hip hop and pop music. I chose this topic because music is such an important form of art, and since the 1960s, different types of music have brought about change politically, socially, and in the way music is made.

            The British invasion began when bands such as the Beatles and the Rolling Stones came to America and changed the face of music. Rock was officially formed and as Campbell states, “On the one hand, the Rolling Stones would influence generations of musicians emphasizing gritty, chord-driven, high-volume rock, including bands in the glam rock, hard rock, punk, heavy metal, and grunge genres. On the other hand, the Beatles would influence countless artists interested in a more accessible, melodic, and softer sound, in genres such as pop-rock, power-pop, new wave, and alternative rock” (133). The British invasion, which began in the 1960s, set the standard for future musicians.

From: http://www.thechangeblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/reinventing-yourself.jpg
This is a picture of the British band, the Beatles. The Beatles were part of the British invasion and they greatly contributed to changing the face of rock.

            Motown music, also known as “Motor City Music”, was of particular interest to me because when my family and I went to Detroit, we were able to see the Motown recording studio where the Motown songs were recorded. Motown, as Campbell states, was “The most prominent independent label that nourished soul and black popular music…” (136). I remember from my visit to the Motown museum that the Motown music scene increased the strides towards racial equality. All people began to realize that they shared a love for good music and as Campbell tells us, “…black singers like James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Ike and Tina Turner, and Wilson Pickett found large and diverse audiences” (136).

From: http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.northernsoultrain.webspace.virginmedia.com%2Fartists%25201%2Fbrenda%2520holloway.html&h=0&w=0&tbnid=o9wx9TxescEetM&zoom=1&tbnh=194&tbnw=259&docid=n7EKPKZY-HHKpM&tbm=isch&ei=E3M-VILhHIPt8AGY4YDQCA&ved=0CAQQsCUoAA
A picture of the studio in Detroit where Motown music was made.

From: http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_400/MI0003/554/MI0003554780.jpg?partner=allrovi.com
This is a picture of one of the Motown groups, The Four Tops.

            Folk and psychedelic music represented the turbulent times which came along with the 1960s. Many of the songs which were popular during this time brought attention to the cry for peace and social justice. Many songs expressed people’s disdain toward the Vietnam War. Folk music inspired protests which were in response to what was going on politically. Bob Dylan is considered to be the most influential and well known folk performer. The psychedelic aspect of music included the heavy use of drugs, especially LSD. Many bands such as the Doors and the Grateful Dead claimed “artistic expression could be enhanced by mind-altering drugs” (138). This related to social change because the idea of wanting free speech was prevalent during this time period and the use of drugs was viewed by many people (not just bands but also people who listened to psychedelic bands) as a way to express oneself. Another example of social change resulting from psychedelic music came from the negative events which happened when psychedelic music was at its prime. One of these events included the killings done by the Manson “family”. As Campbell states, these killings “cast a negative light on hippies, drug use, and psychedelic culture” (139).

From: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/60/Doors_electra_publicity_photo.JPG
The Doors, a popular psychedelic band.

From:http://vietnamawbb.weebly.com/uploads/5/7/2/0/5720494/858846228.jpg?417
Many psychedelic and folk songs inspired protest against the war in Vietnam.

            In the 1970s, punk rock came along and challenged the mainstream, commercial songs with a sense of rebelliousness. Although punk music was not a commercial success in America, it brought about social change because it allowed women like Joan Jett and Patti Smith to be cast into the spotlight. Grunge music emerged in the 1990s with the primary grunge band being Nirvana. Unlike punk music, grunge was able to reach commercial success. Campbell states, “In some critical circles, both punk and grunge are considered subcategories or fringe movements of alternative rock. This vague label describes many types of experimental rock music that offered a departure from the theatrics and staged extravaganzas of 1970s glam rock…” (140). The alternative scene allowed for a shift to be made in music.

From: http://promfih.com/data_images/main/joan-jett/joan-jett-02.jpg
A picture of Joan Jett, a popular female punk rocker.

From: http://assets.rollingstone.com/assets/images/list/d712af824fd4a08958194370346bc8fc4601dc22.jpg
A picture of one of Green Day's albums. Green Day is a grunge band that followed in the steps of the band Nirvana.

            Hip hop (a type of music which involves rapping) brought about social change through the emergence of black artists. Campbell states, “Similar to punk’s opposition to commercial rock, hip-hop music stood in direct opposition to the polished, professional, and often less political world of soul” (140). Hip hop music used its rap lyrics to make political opinions heard. Additionally, on the negative side, some hip hop music allowed for offensive statements to be made about women and homosexuals and the increase in gang activity in 1996 was blamed on gangster rap. This has led the form of hip hop being produced today to be a more danceable kind of music that has strayed away from gangster rap. Today, after first going through a significant decline in popularity, pop music has reemerged with help from iTunes and is now what generally sells the most.

From: http://i5.tagstat.com/p1/p/3QGquGsvV5uoygVct81r-uE6tVNcSQD4oR6F1MyYOoo=.jpg
This picture represents the fact that rap music can carry lyrics which are trying to convey a message.

From: http://www.celebzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/katy-perry-performing-at-prism-iheartradio-theatre_6.jpg
A picture of Katy Perry, one of today's most popular and successful pop artists.

            This section of chapter 4 has helped me to observe the reformations which have occurred in music. Different types of music have brought about political and social change. Additionally, the style of music is constantly changing and it is interesting to question what new style will emerge next.

           

            In this chapter entitled, “The Culture of Journalism”, we examined some of the major issues facing journalism. An issue which I found especially interesting was “Television News and Public Opinion”. Television news has such a major influence on viewers and therefore, a large responsibility to feed people the truth. This responsibility is often times neglected.

            Based on both what I already know about TV news and what I was able to gather from reading chapter 14, I believe that viewers of TV news are greatly influenced by the political and corporate perspectives reflected in the news. It seems as if people have always been wired to automatically believe what they hear, especially if the information is coming from a source that has already been labeled as credible. Additionally, TV news presents its news in a way that seems comfortable and real. As our book points out, a strategy known as “happy talk" is often used. This is the “ad-libbed or scripted banter that goes on among local news anchors, reporters, meteorologists, and sports reporters before and after news reports” (505). News anchors are usually attractive, aesthetically pleasing to look at, and well put together. This allows viewers to be eager to believe that what the news anchors are saying is true. This could present a problem because viewers could begin to lose their own capability of forming a valid opinion because they would rather just listen to what the “all-knowing” news reporters are saying.

From: http://thepageantplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/o-TV-NEWS-facebook.jpg
A representation of news anchors who look very polished and well put together.

From: http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02229/fox_2229415b.jpg
A picture to represent "happy talk".

            In addition, TV news is very eager to tell a good story. TV news wants stories that are interesting and filled with drama. Our book states, “After all, when reporters choose quotes for a story, these are usually the most dramatic or conflict-oriented words that emerge from an interview, press conference, or public meeting. Choosing quotes sometimes has more to do with enhancing drama than with being fair, documenting an event, or establishing neutrality” (14). Viewers want to hear stories that are exciting and of interest to them. That being said, it seems as if certain news stories that are important but not necessarily incredibly dramatic, might not get told because they are not exciting enough. This is a major concern to me because the TV news can essentially choose what to talk about and what not to talk about just based on dramatic effect. Also, news stories might be told in a way that mainly focuses on the drama of the story rather than the actual truth.  

            I believe that although some viewers can think critically and evaluate the credibility of what they see and hear, the majority of viewers cannot. It seems as if most people are gullible to propaganda. For example, at the beginning of the semester, our class watched a film entitled Psywar. This film focused on the use of propaganda in the media. Two major uses of modern day propaganda that were discussed were the stories of Jessica Lynch and the taking down of the statue of Saddam Hussein. I specifically remember watching a news clip of who I thought were Iraqis taking down a large statue of Saddam Hussein. In my mind, I did not think twice about the legitimacy of the incident but instead focused on the fact that the Iraqis must be so happy that this man was no longer in power. Psywar pointed out that this incident was in fact staged and used as propaganda to increase the war effort. This idea was not something that I, or probably millions of other Americans would have considered because the footage was presented to us on TV news as the truth. We have grown to rely so heavily on TV news that we are essentially forced and all too willing to believe anything we see. It is so difficult to decipher the truth from propaganda.

From:http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/arts/2003/04/10/statue_tall.jpg
An example of propaganda.

            The media theory which best explains the way that TV news influences public opinion is the concept of agenda setting. To review, agenda setting is “The idea that when the mass media focus their attention on particular events or issues, they determine- that is, set the agenda for- the major topics of discussion for individuals and society” (532). TV news is completely in control when it comes to choosing what to talk about. TV news does set the tone for what society is going to be talking about because they are so powerful and people are going to listen to what stories they choose to focus on. The theory of agenda setting is just a method TV news uses to get people talking about what the media feels like should be talked about.

From: http://geraldglenn.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/media-spoonfeeding-cartoon.jpg
A representation of how viewers are spoon fed information and we so easily believe all of it.



Time Warner Inc.



From: http://static.neatorama.com/images/2008-07/tv-timewarner.gif
A picture to represent all of the networks that fall under Time Warner Inc.

            Whenever one considers the television networks such as Cartoon Network, CNN, Adult Swim, and Boomerang, he or she may think that these networks are either their own media companies or at least only under the Turner Broadcasting System. This was the impression I was under. However, after doing extensive research on Cartoon Network, I found that these companies do not just fall under the Turner Broadcasting System, but also the massive media company of Time Warner. In total, Time Warner owns some major television networks such as HBO, Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Adult Swim, and CNN (“About Us”, n.d.). Time Warner is the largest media conglomerate with business in film, television networks, and TV entertainment (“Time Warner” September 13, 2014., Para 1 ).

From: http://cdn.phys.org/newman/gfx/news/hires/2009/thetimewarne.jpg
A visual showing the major media company name, "Time Warner Inc."



            Time Warner Inc. has a long history which dates back to 1923. Time Warner Inc.’s origins start with Time Magazine. In 1960, ninety percent of a company’s revenue came from their magazines. However, this obviously eventually changed. According to a timeline done by CNN on CNN.com, by 1969, “Time’s bottom line takes a beating as television becomes a major threat.” It was not until 1980 that Time was seen as a cable company. The timeline goes on to say that in 1989, “Time merges with Warner Communications, setting the stage for a string of media consolidations.” By 2000, Time Warner and America Online merged (“Time Warner Timeline”, n.d.). According to cjr.org, “On February 13, 2014, Comcast announced plans to purchase Time Warner (just Time Warner cable) for $45 billion, pending FCC approval” (“Resources”, 2014).This being said, it is unknown if the statistical information in the first paragraph will still be relevant in a year from now. A further article written by Alex Rogers states, “Comcast on Wednesday sought to win over lawmakers reviewing its proposed $45-billion merger with Time Warner Cable, arguing to an audience without many vocal critics of the politically-connected cable giant that the corporate marriage would be good for consumers” (Alex Rogers, 2014). A major concept that I have learned from this particular blog entry is the fact that major media companies are constantly changing. There seem to be three major media companies; The Walt Disney Company, Comcast, and Time Warner Inc. Time Warner has been very successful and has received many awards such as Emmy awards, Peabody awards, annual GLAAD media awards, and academy awards (“About Us”, n.d.).

From:http://assets.worldwildlife.org/photos/1759/images/partnership_listing/New_Line_Cinema_08.08.2012_Partner.jpg?1345602516
One of the major movie companies that falls under Time Warner Inc.

From:https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxleUDFZ8EU-W2UIdJmXwzRL-vpWPwWFbSm3fRxg4ol12pG6-oINTnbIXP1tVg0vkjyaPUQcOnXHKBF5qNw9XOYaZYTUOiu-yqmJIClnkY7cQdogado5K_iwoAgt-8dtdpt0t7seaoRio/s3200/Warner_Bros_Pictures.jpg
Another major movie company under Time Warner Inc. 

            One of the major subcategories of Time Warner Inc. that I wanted to focus on was Cartoon Network because it has always been a programming station that I have watched growing up. It is a television program which is primarily aimed at young children and teens. I always enjoyed Cartoon Network because of its creativity and ability to stand out as different and genuinely funny and witty. Chuck Ross states, “Cartoon Network, in exploding from 38 million to 54 million homes passed this year, hit its stride as a major marketing vehicle, becoming the darling of many children's advertisers and a top destination for kids ages 6 to 11.” Time Warner Inc. has most likely been so successful because even though it is a mass company, it has divisions within it that apply to every type of person. Its humor and appeal to kids, allows Cartoon Network to be successful and contribute to the success of Time Warner Inc. Ross goes on to quote the president of Turner Entertainment Sales and Marketing, Joe Uva, stating, ``If Nickelodeon is about empowering kids, Cartoon Network is about freedom to be wacky and zany,'' Ross also states, “Cartoon is a part of Time Warner's Turner Broadcasting System family of cable channels” (Chuck Ross, 1998). Cartoon Network as well as HBO and CNN are all successful because they are generated towards a particular audience. Additionally, Cartoon Network has been very successful because of products associated with the media company being made and sold such as video games, toys, and books.

From: http://static.planetminecraft.com/files/resource_media/screenshot/1250/cartoon_network_wallpaper_attempt_by_randyadr-d56sviy_4391340_lrg.jpg
A visual representing a very popular part of Time Warner Inc.  

From: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy4BgBQ3ru89bHIXDNO-sdDYX0U7ICjKe0Gf7f-Nvu6Px7L4Nnbn9DkUhYJfTN4ZJz1y1Y2SGYrr3R46M-O0n50bho3pgjpqDlkes8tin5Lu7AqSN53IuG0Tab-j2PG3q0nd4qurCbraU/s1600/1.jpg
An image showing all the major media companies.

            Something which I found interesting while conducting this research was the fact that even though Time Warner Inc. is the major media company over many networks, there is still a large amount of power to be had by the companies under it. This is demonstrated by an article written by Dan McGraw. His article states, “If Johnson's chart tracked the current deal-making efforts of CNN creator Ted Turner, it would reveal mountainous spikes today. The mastermind behind a $3 billion media and entertainment empire that includes movies, sports and cartoons in addition to cable TV, Turner is now busily trying to gain control of a major television network. Owning one of the three big broadcast properties — ABC, CBS or NEC — has been a commercial obsession for Turner over the past decade” (Dan McGraw, 1995). These statement is representative of Turner’s success and power. Although Turner Broadcasting System (Ted Turner’s company) is under Time Warner Inc., Ted Turner is still a very wealthy man. Part of Time Warner Inc.’s success comes from the power which each network under this media company possesses.

From: http://econ651spring2009.wikispaces.com/file/view/Rahman2.jpg/69810045/Rahman2.jpg
A representation of where Time Warner Inc.'s revenue comes from.  

            This assignment allowed me to gain an ample amount of information on some of the major media companies, particularly Time Warner Inc. I leaned that Time Warner Inc. is a major company which not only provides television, but also movie companies (New Line Cinema) and even franchise from particular networks like Cartoon Network (“About Us”, n.d.). This was an important assignment for me to complete because it has helped to further my knowledge of mass media and mass communication.    
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YErU9Y-_gXk

Works Cited

About Us. (n.d.). Retrieved September 15, 2014.

McGraw, D. (1995). Ted Turner’s TV quest. U.S. News & World Report, 118(14), 56. Retrieved September 14, 2014.

Resources. (2014, March 19). Retrieved September 15, 2014.

Rogers, A (2014). Comcast Urges Congress to Back Time Warner Cable Merger. Time.com, 1 Retrieved September 14, 2014.

Ross, C. (1998). Cartoon Network: Cable TV Marketer of the Year. Advertising Age, 69(48), S1-S16. Retrieved September 14, 2014.

TIME WARNER TIME LINE. (n.d.). Retrieved September 15, 2014.

Time Warner. (2014, September 13). Retrieved September 15, 2014.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

           

 

 

           

           

           

Chapter 15: Media Effects and Cultural Approaches to Research

            This chapter discusses not only the effects media has on the public, but also the studies that have been conducted to analyze how and why audiences react to certain media. The two main types of research that have been used are media effects research and cultural studies. Additionally, this chapter gives us insight into early media research methods, research on media effects, cultural approaches to media research, and media research and democracy.

            Chapter fifteen begins by telling its readers about several violent instances that occurred within the last fifty years. Some of these recent tragedies include the very recent Columbine shootings, the shootings in the Aurora, Colorado theatre, and the suicide attempts made by two Nevada teens. The media was blamed for these tragedies. The Columbine shooters had been listening to Marilyn Manson and playing first-person-shooter video games, while the Aurora shooter related himself to Batman’s “Joker”, and the two teens who attempted suicide, (one of the boys actually died while the other was seriously injured) had been listening to Judas Priest songs which hinted at suicidal messages. I believe that although it seems as if media may play a strong role in these violent incidents, it is important to consider a person’s mental state and if they are struggling with any forms of mental illness.

From:http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/exposure/content/photo/photo/438458_columbine98_lassw4ilovf4yu7gfphshpp6mlncurxrbvj6lwuht2ya6mzmafma_610x343.jpg
This is a picture of the two Columbine High school killers. This picture is a good representation of violence in the media leading to violence in young adults.

            The book defines media effects research by stating, “Media effects research attempts to understand, explain, and predict the effects of mass media on individuals and society”. The text goes on to talk about cultural studies, stating, “This research approach focuses on how people make meaning, apprehend reality, articulate values, and order experience through their use of culture symbols”(521). According to media effects research, there is a connection between aggressive behavior in kids and violent media.

From:http://guardianlv.com/2013/09/washington-navy-yard-shooting-caused-by-violent-video-games/
Violent video games could lead to kids becoming desensitized.

One might think only audiences from our present day generation are effected by media. However, the media was very prevalent in the 1800’s and the early 1900’s through newspapers. This is a reason why early media research methods existed. Walter Lippman introduced researchers to the idea of conducting research on facts rather than just moral arguments. His book entitled Public Opinion, changed the way media research was conducted because of the introduction of psychology.

From: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/1f/Walter_Lippmann.jpg
This is a picture of Walter Lippman, the man who changed the way research on media effects was done.

            By 1960, propaganda analysis, public opinion research, social psychology studies and marketing research arose to form the early media research methods. Propaganda analysis arose after World War I. Public opinion became valued when researchers (Walter Lippman in particular) realized that the public’s opinion could be easily shaped because the media is where we get the majority of our information. Social psychology studies focuses more on the behavior of people. The Payne Fund studies have created more protection in the viewing of films by particular audiences based on studies done which show strong reactions from adolescents who watch violent or sexual content. Marketing research was used to see how many people were reading a particular newspaper or listening to a radio station.

            Research on media effects was done to further analyze the media’s effect on the public. Some researchers used models such as the hypodermic needle model, the minimal effects model, and the uses and gratifications model. Our book states, the hypodermic-needle model “suggests that the media shoot their potent effects directly into unsuspecting victims” (526). The Minimal-effects model is also known as the limited model because it suggests that people only retain the information from the media that matches up with their beliefs. Uses and gratifications never became a major theory. This text goes on to state when talking about the research done by this method, “researchers noted that some individuals used the media to see authority figures elevated or toppled, to seek a sense of community and connectedness, to fulfill a need for drama and stories, and to confirm moral or spiritual values” (528). I found this information slightly concerning because I feel that people should not have to rely on the media for important concepts like religion.

From:http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/236x/fd/1f/5b/fd1f5b3d137b7efa7863e6b68f43521d.jpg
I though this saying matched perfectly with the minimal-effects model.

Many experiments, studies, and surveys were conducted such as random assignment, longitudinal studies (the comparison of old and new studies), and content analysis. Researchers came to the conclusion that the five most modern theories are social learning theory, agenda- setting, the cultivation effect, and the spiral of silence.

            Cultural approaches to media research focuses more on cultural research than scientific research. Daily experiences are a big focus of the cultural approach. Textual analysis is used to determine the cultural messages in books, television, and movies.

Media research and democracy essentially states the media has failed at connecting with the average every day person. Even intellectuals in the media field have had a difficult time connecting with one another.

It is troubling that the connection seems to at times be lost with the average person. This chapter allowed me to lean about the different theories used to determine what effect media has on its audience. People are concerned about the effects of media because there seems to be a strong connection between what is presented in the media and the behavior of young people.         

Issues Raised in PsyWars

The first two days of communications 202 consisted of our class watching the documentary entitled PsyWars. Psywars deals with the issue of propaganda and how it affects our daily lives. PsyWars brought attention to both the negative and positive connotations the word propaganda may have at times. Additionally, this film caused me to reflect on some of my own personal experiences with propaganda.

In order to fully understand the concept of propaganda, it is essential to have a general idea of what the word means. Our short discussion on the first day of class in addition to the film, reinforced my idea that propaganda is the use of media to sway public opinion. Propaganda does not necessarily have to be the truth. It is often used for advertising by public relations professionals who are the people who want the public to think kindly of a brand in order to increase business. Propaganda has also been used in efforts to increase war support. Although propaganda primarily surfaced during World War I, it is not just a twentieth century concept. PsyWars points out that war is disgusting and a person needs some kind of good motive to go to it. 2,300 years ago, the Chinese stated men who did not go into war would be dishonored.

This picture shows propaganda being used to increase support for the war.

  From:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1d/Unclesamwantyou.jpg

Propaganda has been affecting human being’s daily lives for generations. It brain washes Americans into thinking a certain image is glamorous or the societal norm. For example, PsyWars brought attention to a 1950’s advertisement which had a picture of a family in a car and stated, “We’re not wealthy--we just look it”. This gives viewers the idea “Happiness is just one purchase away”. This concept has changed very little when considering the society in which we live in today. Advertisements claiming you will be happier if you just buy this particular item of clothing or that beauty comes in the form of wearing a size zero are forced down people’s throats. We are constantly being told what will make us happy and we buy into it. This causes people to be reckless, dangerous and lose their sense of morality to greed and an urgency to obtain material objects. The film points this out by providing the example of the deaths of people being trampled at black Friday events. This shows the power of propaganda. Unfortunately, this tactic of spreading propaganda in the form of advertisements is not perceived as negative because it conveys the image of happiness. This idea leads to a false and temporary sense of fulfilment. In addition to commercial propaganda, propaganda has come in the form of deceiving the American public in regards to the war in the Middle East. PsyWars points out there are a group of people known as psywarriors. These people created anti Saddam Hussein propaganda during the war on Iraq. The psywarriors staged the taking down of the Saddam Hussein statue as well as the story of Jessica Lynch. These exaggerated news stories have led people, myself included, to believe that propaganda partly led to the war on Iraq. The use of propaganda affects our daily lives because it becomes difficult to know what news stories are true and should be believed and what stories are sensationalized and just trying to influence the public to think in a certain way. As Randolph Bourne points out, “War is the health of the state”. I find this disturbing.

This picture represents the way people can let obtaining material items become their top priority.

From:http://heidelblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/black-friday.jpg

Propaganda has at times had a very negative connotation. PsyWar gave the well known example of the propaganda used during World War II by the Nazis against the Jews. False statements about Jewish people were made and caused the public to turn against them. This played a leading role in causing the Holocaust, where six million Jews were killed.

This picture represents propaganda being used in a very negative way.

From:http://wolfsonianfiulibrary.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/xc1991-1024-000.jpg

The film PsyWars has somewhat changed my view about propaganda as well as helped me to reflect upon my experiences with propaganda. Before watching this film, I did not consider the fact that propaganda could still be so relevant today. It is troubling to think that all you need to do is have control of the media in order to spread propaganda. This film points out that the media can make people be afraid in their own minds. I have at times found myself being pulled into the propaganda used to make society believe certain material items will bring happiness. However, it is important to remember the truth and not get caught up in the lies propaganda can spread. As I grow older and want to become more educated about what is going on in the world, I have trouble getting past the idea that we cannot trust everything we hear.