Too Far!

Many cases of public expression have progressed too far these past few years and should be curbed. Recently, with the church's involvement with Proposition 8 in California, non-supporters produced a very offensive commercial. This ad degraded the LDS church and missionary system and messages like these must be halted. Rules should be put into effect that would not allow this slander to air on TV. Other examples of public expression have also gone too far. With the presidential elections, many talk show hosts and commentators went too far in degrading their political opponents. This should not be acceptable even for people of celebrity status. It is hurtful and degrading to society and this must be changed.

Press Agentry

As P.T. Barnum epitomized 19th century press agentry with exaggerated claims such as those about Tom Thumb and Jenny Lind, press agentry still exists today. For example, the Gibb twins, Mary and Margaret were joined at the hip since birth. Press agent Terry Turner subtly slipped information to newspapers that one was in love and this inspired the cause of their separation. This caught the attention of the media and its exploitation caused the two to change their minds and stay joined. Terry Turner hyped up the story so much, that the twins could not handle the pressures and called the operation off. Many other examples such as this continue of press agentry.

Public Relations Ethics

Public relations activities such as image consulting therapy are ethical. A business or person may just need help promoting their image in positive ways and the PR person is there to help with ideas, opinions, and statements. Not everyone knows how to present themselves with the most positive presentation and PR people make that possible. It is very important to a business' or person's success in developing relationships with their audiences.

Advertisements

Good Ads:

I thought this advertisement was effective because of its timeliness with featuring Michael Phelps. Using athletes in this manner capture the attention of the audience and successfully advertises the product.

This ad persuades through emotion and viewing the ad, the audience just feels bad for the little girl and this influences their perception of the Dove Beauty campaign.

Bad Ads:

This ad is just weird. If I saw this in a magazine I would continue to flip the page. The message is too deep for an initial audience.

This is strange also and does not provide good enough information to persuade an audience of a specific view or opinion.

Advertising: effective?

Advertising plays a huge role in our society as a means of persuasion and promotion. They appear everywhere; on buses, billboards, cereal boxes, commercials, and even in the student planners. This is because advertising proves very effective whether the purpose is to sell, promote, encourage, or simply to entertain. If I see a good, clever advertisement, I definitely pay attention to the product or sponsor. I occasionally buy products based on an advertisement. After seeing the Venus Divine razor ad, looking so cool and easy, I bought it. I also remember as a kid watching cartoons I would always love watching commercials and seeing all the dolls and ponies that were advertised. From watching those, I would write my Christmas list based on those toys that were presented in a fun, persuading manner. Advertising is very effective.

Lowest Common Denominator

I partially agree that with in trying to "offend no one," networks tend to offer programs that appeal to the "lowest common denominator." In my mind, this refers to the desires and preferences of the general public. Many shows air according to this idea. A few that I thought of: The Hills, Spike TV, American Idol, Hannah Montana, CSI, Gossip Girl, South Park, and The Bachelor. These shows all include aspects that focus on a common preference. For example, The Hills features a large amount of drama including friendships, sex, employment issues and family problems. These appeal to the general population and the show receives a lot of attention. However, I do think there are quality television programs that appeal to the higher common denominator. These shows cause the audience to think, to be involved, to develop solutions, and to learn. Shows such as 24, Full House, Prison Break, and The Cosby Show teach values of family, honor, integrity, hard work, and forgiveness. For example, I am a huge fan of Prison Break. Although it includes violence and harsh language, I beleive that I have learned a lot from watching it, especially the values of family, education, integrity, and perseverance.

TV's Impact

I agree with the statement that television has had the greatest impact on society than any other form of media. Looking back, when TV first became public, its rise affected many other sources of media such as radio, magazines, and newspapers. That is because it included the good parts of all those sources and more. TV plays music and advertising, just like radio. TV shows gossip, focused ads, news, and in depth stories, just like magazines. TV includes news programs, comics, ads, and personal stories, just like newspapers. However, television combines all these elements in single, easy to use system that can be both seen and heard. Advertisers spend most of their money to deliver to TV channels and 99% of all households own a TV. Television can easily update and identifies our culture and social norms. It influences the way we perceive the world around us and updates us about world news. Television has definitely had the greatest impact on society.

My TV

On Monday I watched the new episode of Prison Break, throughout the week I watched several episodes of 24on DVD, and I watched the new episode of the Office on Friday. I learned that I probably spend too much time watching TV and that I have very little self control in watching 24. The episodes are just so addicting though, it's so hard to stop. TV is a really strange thing to analyze because there are so many elements of TV watching. TV is so personal; there are sporting events, game shows, reality shows, cartoons, news programs and anything and everything in between with advertisements specifically directed at each audience. TV really is all about money. The high intensity shows that I watch always end with a 'cliff hanger', causing me to want to watch the next episode. Advertisements play a great role in television and indirectly determine which shows succeed or not. Without advertising support, a TV program cannot sustain itself. I watch television for a few different reasons. If I have a stressful day and need some relaxation, I will lay in my bed, go to Hulu, and watch some TV. Most of the time I just watch for entertainment. I like to get really involved in my shows and often times become addicted.

My Movie

If I were a movie producer, I would incorporate many elements into making a box office hit. My movie would target a wide ranged audience and would be full of material that is borderline PG and PG-13, a fun family movie. Action definitely attracts audience as well as a supreme cast, humor, and a great story line. I would love a movie with elements mixed from the cast, action, and production of Lord of the Rings and with the subtle humor and sentimentality of Dan in Real Life. This would be a box office hit!

Movies

Sex and violence contained in movies has definitely been on the incline over the years. In my opinion, Hollywood is giving society what they want and society has accepted what we are given. For example, the raunchy movie Knocked Up, an audience targeted movie, was nationally accepted as 'hilarious' and 'refreshing'. Because of its box office success, producers continued making more movies with basically the same content. Following its success came Superbad, Good Luck Chuck, and Don't Mess With the Zohan. All of these movies were, for the most part, accepted by viewers.

5 Radio Stations

1. Utah's light-rock favorites: 106.9 FM: music radio
While listening to this station, the advertisements and music content seemed to target a wider-ranged audience from teenagers to adults. The advertisements were for HD Radio and Ivory Homes, a home building business. The music played was light and relaxing like John Mayer's "Waiting on the World to Change." This station is successful because it appeals to many families who need wholesome and light music. The advertisements can also reach that specific group of people successfuly.
2. KSL: 102.7 FM: all news radio
Just when tuning in to this station, I heard the end of a political conversation about employee benefits and insurance policies with Obama and McCain's opposing views. The advertisements that followed included an underage drinking prevention promotion and a Ford Lincoln Mercury commercial. Based on this content, the station targets adults interested in politics or other national news. Its success is most likely reached because with so many national problems, the public wants to hear updates and also be able to call in and discuss these topics.
3. Truth Talk Live: 12o AM: talk radio
This station discussed gay marriage and included biblical references to the argument. One advertisement I heard was for Route 66 Life, an online Christian community as a way to find Christ. The content suggests an audience of any Christians or those that might want to know more about Christianity. The station's success could be atrributed to its individuality and its differing from other stations.
4. KSTAR: 140 AM: old time radio
When tuning in to this station there was an advertisment for auto insurance and the following music was oldies. This content targets the older generation and it's success is for that reason. The specialized focus on their needs creates great success.
5. My Country: 105.7 FM: music radio
The song playing when I tuned in was "I Saw God Today" by George Strait. The following advertisements included a local trunk-or-treat, TomTom, and HD Radio. The targeted audience is probably families with an interest in country music. Its success can be attributed to its content and support from local advertisers.

The Wenatchee World

I immersed myself in my hometown paper, the Wenatchee World to analyze the balance between soft and hard news. I noticed that most of the main section was filled with hard news. For that specific day, topics included the Iraq War, the 2008 election, the stock market crisis, Russia's economic problems, Canada's election, and Al-Qaida developments. The only real soft news in the main section was about text messaging elephants in Kenya... it was actually very entertaining. Soft news is mainly featured in other newspaper sections such as the entertainment or life sections. Some examples include comics, a feature story about Indian weddings, and Dear Abby letters. I would say that newspapers are definitely still the watchdogs they used to be. Many corruptions or issues are featured in newspapers on a daily basis. For example, there was a featured article about an error in John McCain's "Joe the plumber" example that he presented in a national debate. Newspapers never fails to report any small error or mistake.

"The Most Personal of the Media"

Radio is described as "the most personal of the media" for various reasons including its increase in specialization. Everyone can find a suitable station for their preferences and can connect through the power of music. Radio plays a wide selection of music, which is such an emotional part of our lives. An unknown author wrote, "Music is what feelings sound like." Everyone can connect through music. Whether it be country, rock, or classical, we all form an emotional attachment to music. Radio stations have become very specialized for their intended audience and everything from advertisements, commentary, and music aim at the particular audience. Talk radio has also become quite popular over the years. This can be attributed to the inclusion of the audience. People like to be heard, and this gives them a great opportunity to express their ideas and ask questions. Also, with politics and other recent "hot topics", the public likes to get involved and make their opinions known. Talk radio presents a great environment for this purpose. In 1983, only 53 radio stations had talk formats, compared with more than 1,000 today, while the total number of stations remained constant at 10,000, according to SABOMedia. Economics can be figured into talk radio's popularity because of advertising. SABOMedia also concluded that nothing moves a product more than a talk show host talking about it on air.

Newspapers

There are multiple ways in which metro daily newspapers have lost circulation over the years. One possible reason could be the advancement of the Internet. Since metro daily newspapers such as the New York Times and the Washington Post circulate to a broad audience with specific interests, the Internet has become more efficient to meet their needs. For example, readers interested in classifieds and advertisements can now log on to Craigslist, which is much easier and more efficient. Also, these larger newspapers have extensive websites that are not available in print and they can be updated often to get the most current news topic. This ease many times eliminates subscriptions and has led to the decrease in metro daily circulations.
However, suburban dailies seem to be booming in the recent years. This could be attributed to their efforts to include local news and information that would not be found in other sources. My hometown paper, The Wenatchee World, includes letters from locals every day in which they address specific issues, congratulations, or random stories. Also included, are special events such as the annual Apple Blossom Festival. Over the few weeks of this festival, photos, contest results, and feature stories scatter the paper. This specialization increases subscriptions and these dailies can keep their audience better in focus than large circulating metros.

Impact of Electronic Media

The new technology on the Internet has made a huge impact on the magazine industry. In 1956, the television spelled out huge trouble for magazines. Many went out of business because TV became a better source for entertainment, information, and advertising. This advancement completely devastated the magazine industry. However, over time magazines adapted and became specialized and began to thrive once again. When the Internet gained attention in the 1990s, the magazine industry was once again threatened but, by this time the industry knew how to adapt to changes in media. The Internet gave the industry disadvantages and advantages. For example, People once published Teen People until 2006, when the Internet brought too much competition and not enough advertising. However, magazines still thrive and the Internet has made subscribing easier and quicker. In the future, the magazine industry could change in many ways. It could become only featured online or magazines may be totally done away with.

LAX Magazine

Browsing through LAX Magazine, I identified a few different audiences based on the content and advertising. One audience is professional lacrosse players. The magazine includes new equipment advertisements and team reviews. The magazine also targets lacrosse players of any age or level. On one page there is a photo of a nine-year-old boy decked out in lacrosse gear. On another page there's camp schedules and locations for different leveled teams and individuals. Another intended audience is lacrosse coaches because of the coach profiles and the "chalk talk," a page of play sketches. General lacrosse fans are also audiences in this magazine. Included is game schedules and personal profiles. Based on the context, the typical reader is anyone involved with lacrosse, it definitely targets a wide ranged audience, with a narrow focus.

A poll of ten people suggests:

Burke (18): He read about three books over the last six months, his favorite was Eragon, a fantasy adventure story.
Ashley (18): Ashley has read many books over the last six months including Left to Tell, Hamlet, The China Study, and textbooks for various classes. Her favorite source for leisure is fantasy and inspirational stories.
Cheryl (my mom): My mom reads many books, she guessed that she has read over 20 books in the last six months. This summer she enjoyed reading the Twilight series and is currently reading Hearing the Voice of the Lord by Gerald Lund. She enjoys Christian romance novels.
Nicole (18): Over the past six months Nicole read Pride and Prejudice and two other Jane Austen books. Her favorite is romance.
Kamry (20): Kamry read all four of the Twilight books over the past few months and enjoys life experience stories and memoirs.
Candice (19): Candice is an avid book reader and enjoys suspense. She reread all the Harry Potter books over the past six months as well as textbooks for various classes.
Rachel (19): She read about 10 books over the past months, her favorites including the Twilight series, What Happy People Know, The Golden Compass, and I Captured a Castle.
Kayleen (20): Kayleen read over 15 books these last six months. Her favorites were Timeline, Angels and Demons, and Harry Potter. For leisure she enjoys reading historical fiction.
Landon (18): Landon estimated reading two books over the past months. He concluded that he was not a big book reader.
Chris (21): Chris is a recently returned missionary so he read The Book of Mormon over the past six months. Since being home, he has been catching up on readings such as Harry Potter. He has also recently read The Lord of the Rings trilogy and the Red Wall series.

According to my survey, I concluded that books are still popular and they won't be disappearing anytime soon. My samples polled said they like having a real book instead of an internet source. Also, I concluded that series are extremely popular such as Harry Potter and Twilight. Classics are also well read such as Jane Austen. I think this is true of the overall public as well and that books are still universally enjoyed.

Tuning Out the Real World

The use of technology is ever increasing in our lives today and people are becoming more and more immersed in the world of mass media. For example, the use of text messaging has been constantly increasing by over 250% every year (Cellsigns) and the average person watches four and a half hours of television every day (Nielson Media Research). With this trend, who knows what the future holds in regard to the use of mass media. This could eventually produce lifestyles where individuals tune out the real world and live in the world of media such as videogames, television, and internet. If people begin to overly distance themselves from the reality of the outside world, we could expect a dramatic increase in social problems. There are many negative effects from media such as social isolation, violence descencitizaton, and confusion between fantasy and reality (National Institute on Media and the Family).
In my home ward, we had an inactive girl who had recently become paralyzed from an accident. She turned to the internet for entertainment and eventually became fully immersed in online chat rooms and other programs. She slowly began to tune out the real world and chose not to face the world with her new conditions.
Also in an article in the Daily Universe, a student in Pennsylvania pleaded guilty to child endangerment after found with a homemade grenade. The article said, "(He) had left public school in seventh grade and was being home-schooled. Over time, violent Internet sites fueled his revenge fantasies"(Sept. 24, 2008, Page 12).This is becoming more common with the easy accessibility of internet, television, and games and is a threatening problem needing address.

Textbooks

I would definitely prefer regular textbooks over electronic textbooks. Although electronic textbooks are easily accessible and cheaper, the feel of having a tangible book makes a big difference. With normal textbooks I can easily highlight and make notes in the margins which helps me study more effectively. A normal textbook is easier to transport and more convenient. I don't have to worry about plugging in my laptop or damaging it while reading. For leisure, regular books allow me to curl up anywhere and enjoy the story. Lets just stick with the good old-fashioned textbooks.

Stereotypes in the Media

Many stereotypes occur in the media in a variety of forms. According to the Media Awareness Network, "Stereotypes act like codes that give audiences a quick, common understanding of a person or group of people, usually relating to their class, ethnicity or race, gender, sexual orientation, social role or occupation." Stereotypes are everywhere in the media and influence the general public negatively. For example, women have become stereotyped in the media as tall, thin, and flawless. Although many see this as a stereotype, it still affects the way many women see themselves. This causes many cases of depression, low self-esteem, and unhealthy eating habits such as anorexia or bulemia. Studies show that the diet industry is worth 40 to 100 billion a year and that 90% of women are dissatisfied by their overall appearance (Media Awareness Network).

Another less known stereotype in the media focuses on men as being aggressive, scary, unemotional, powerful, overly muscular, and lustful. This also promotes negative effects in men and can lead to depression, low self esteem, and unhealthy habits such as steroids or other supplements. Women and children become affected by this stereotype as well. In a study by Children Now, one third of the tested children had never seen a man working in the home on TV. This can leave lasting impressions on children of the role of the father.

The Best

As of right now, I think television and newspaper perform the job of informing the best. There are 1,500 daily newspapers being published currently and from personal experience, I turn to the newspaper for the big news because of details and pictures. Television also informs the best because of its easy access to a wide range of people. There are now TVs everywhere; in homes, restaurants, schools, and gyms. This provides an opportunity to inform many people around the world. After 9/11, I constantly read the newspaper and watched the news to learn new updates and gain a greater perspective of those horrific events.

Depending on the individual, entertainment sources vary. For me, television entertains the best. I have my favorite shows and movies that I can kick back, relax, and enjoy. I can immerse myself in someone's life, watch the latest soccer game, or root for my favorite American Idol. I look forward to Monday nights when my friends and I can hang out and watch Prison Break, constantly on the edges of our seats, intensely focused on their next move. This weekly entertainment allows me to escape my daily hassles and enjoy an action-filled hour with good friends.

Also from personal experiences, I think television and advertising persuade the best. This is because methods of persuasion are hidden in commercials and TV shows. Whether it is to buy a new product or vote for a certain candidate, television can send the message across to a wide audience. Television can be seen and heard, differing from newspapers and radio and can therefore use more methods of persuasion. I love commercials and I am often persuaded into buying new products, such as the new Venus Embrace, with five blades.

Communication Model

Communication Model: a newspaper article

The sender is a Wenatchee World news reporter, a local covering the annual Ridge to River race. The reporter interviews participants and encodes the message through writing an account of the day's proceedings. The article includes winners, times, and a personal account, the message. A small family reads the paper in the morning with their breakfast, the receivers. They decode the message by fully reading its contents and looking at the included pictures. Impressed with the coverage, the mother writes to the newspaper, complimenting the story and photos, the feedback.

Communication Model: a magazine article

Seventeen Magazine, is a fun composure for teens with new fashions, celebrity news, and dating secrets, the sender. A seasoned fashion editor encodes the message through a full spread of the newest hairstyles, complete with celebrity pictures. The message presented is the most fashionable way to wear your hair this fall. A stylish seventeen year old from California decodes the message by reading its contents and analyzing the new looks. Deciding that she would never wear any of those hairstyles, she places her feedback on the magazine's website.

Communication Model: a radio program

The sender KW3 is the funnest radio station in town with the latest music. The DJ encodes the message by picking a song and entering it on the transceiver machine. The message is that the song "One Step At a Time" by Jordin Sparks is the latest and greatest song. A teenage girl, the receiver, drives home from school, windows down, radio blaring. She decodes the message through listening to the song and analyzing its quality. Loving the beat and lyrics, the girl calls the radio station, requesting to play it again, the feedback.

Communication Model: a TV show

Disney Channel, the sender, is a favorite in my house. The editors and producers encode a message through the taping, editing, and transmitting of Hannah Montana. The message from a new song on the episode is to enjoy life and have fun. My little sister decodes this message through watching the episode on the television and singing along with the lyrics. She places her feedback through continuing to view Hannah Montana and buying her song.

The communication model works more efficiently in some media than for others in certain aspects. Newspapers and magazines generally receive more feedback from the public than television shows and radio programs. Perhaps this is because newspapers and magazines are on a more personal level. For example, a home and gardening magazine has a smaller audience than American Idol, and this allows more feedback to be heard and answered. However, as technology advances, different ways of communication are becoming more efficient and allow feedback. Although American Idol has a wide audience and feedback cannot be directly viewed and answered, the audience chooses the winners, making the communication model effective.