McCombs Agenda Setting Theory

As a sociology major, I would definitely argue that public opinion is constructed by structures within our social, political and cultural lives. An entity that is a product of the ideas constructed in these larger structures is mass media, whether that be films, news broadcasts, newspapers, online magazines, or personal blogs. As discussed in class, a recent example of this in US media is the medias construction of fear. Whether it is anthrax, SARS, Y2K, or todays terror level, US citizens have the tendency to always have something to be afraid, and the media is the place in which people citizens receive this information.

US citizens are more concerned with being killed in a terrorist attack then in a road accident (which occur more often) because they are not as frequently bombarded with issues in the news on drunk driving, drivers on drugs, road rage, or cell phone use while driving, among other modern road safety issues. I would argue that this exists because there aren't any major political leaders with a stake issues related to the road safety industry. I think that those in power in our society have the ability to express their agenda and political goals, and one of the most power outlets for them to take advantage of is the media.

Issues in the News: Why the New York Times?

I admire the New York Times as both a reader and a potential journalist. From a readers perspective, I personally enjoy reading the New York Times because of the elevated language that its journalists use. Since both full-time students and professionals rarely have time to read literature, I think the New York Times has two very important purposes: to provide relevant and timely news to the reader, as well as to enhance and challenge the vocabulary of the reader.

From a journalists perspective, I admire the ability of the New York Times to write with "balance" and "objectivity." Most front page stories are long, each paragraph containing long sentences that are packed with concise and accurate information. The tone of the articles is intelligent and informed, and appears to be cautious of making grandiose and over - the - top statements.

The New York Times sets the bar for the news throughout this nation with their headlines each day. The news sources throughout the country as well as worldwide look to the New York Times on a daily basis to see what they are writing as their headline news. Aside from headline making news and reports form the region of the Northeastern US, The New York Times also achieves excellence in a wide range of topics and their connections to the rest of the country and world from book and movie reviews, dining, the arts, fashion, education, health, sports, travel, and science, among other topics.