Television Messages
Given the huge amount of time Americans spend with media andgiven the potential for media abuse, it’s clear that we could all benefit frombecoming more thoughtful and responsible media consumers Questioning mediaideologies and becoming more informed about events makes us more mindful aboutthe information we are given When we consume news, for example, we should makea commitment to check our facts and demand accurate information If we don’tthen the quality of information we receive will continue to be low
Question:
Watch a news broadcast of your choice and a half-hour orhour-long television situation comedy that contains a family or a neighborhoodof people While you are watching these programs, take notes of the messagesthese programs are giving you
1) For example, on the news program, what types of storiesare reported? What kind of ideological messages can you detect?
2) On the situation comedy, what types of values do thesepeople hold? Are they similar to your values or to people you know?
3) With both programs, don’t forget to include an analysisof the advertising during commercials What types of products or services arebeing advertised?
What is the message?
In the ads, how was happiness defined? The goal is to noticewhat audience members are being told about themselves and the values theyshould hold