United States Government: Democracy in Action

"Media and the Presidency"

Introduction
In this chapter you have learned about the basic forms of mass media, the role of mass media in politics, and government regulation of the mass media. The mass media—television, newspapers, radio—exercise considerable influence on politics today. In this activity you will take a closer look at the evolution of the media in presidential politics.

Destination Title: Newseum.org

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Directions
Start at the Newseum.org Web site featuring the evolution of media coverage of presidential elections.

• Click on HTML Exhibit in the middle of the screen to begin the tour.
• Use the scroll bar to view pictures of the "campaign trail," and click on the red buttons throughout the time line to read about life on the campaign trail as told by reporters. You can also click on Shockwave Exhibit to see the same exhibits with audio clips.
• Then click on Doris Kearns Goodwin Essay at the top of the screen. Read through the essay to learn about the changing relationship between the media and politicians.
• Take notes as you examine each page.

After you have read through the information, answer the following questions.

1			Describe the major phases that media coverage of presidential campaigns and elections has undergone over the past 100 years.
2			Read the stories about the ways in which President Franklin Roosevelt was "protected" by the press. Would the media take this approach today? Why or why not?
3			What effects did the rise of television have on presidential campaigns?
4			How would you describe the relationship between candidates and the media today? How has this relationship changed over the years?
5			In recent presidential elections, the Internet has become a tool increasingly used by the candidates, the media, and the public. Conduct research to find out what role the Internet played in the election of 2000. In what ways did the candidates make use of the Internet? How did the media use the Internet? What effects did Internet use have on the public? Using these questions as guidelines to get you started, write a one-page essay on this topic.