"News always reflects the interests and assumptions of the powerful in society" - How far do you agree?

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Chloë Morris                

 “News always reflects the interests and assumptions of the powerful in society”

                              How far do you agree?

“News always reflects the interests and assumptions of the powerful in society” this statement is true in many ways, most of the news the public are exposed to is carefully chosen by owners, editors, journalists and the government – all powerful people. The views and morals they hold are therefore portrayed in our news, influencing our opinions and the way we act in society. The Glasgow University Media Group (G.U.M.G) carried out studies based on content analyses of television news, they feel that the ‘powerful’ have an influence over the media, as a result of this they are represented much better than the ‘un-powerful’ in the press. People with money and status have an effect on our news content and as a result of this they have an effect on our interests and outlook on world issues.

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Its not just gatekeepers who filter our news wealthy businessmen, the royal family, celebrities and the government all have an effect on what is and isn’t reported and how it’s reported.  Owners and editors usually have sponsors and support from many powerful people and to keep these alliances they will not report anything insulting, damaging or contradictory against them, this can result in stories being changed, details being left out or not being reported at all.

The G.U.M.G found an example of this in a speech made by the Prime minister about the 1975 Leyland Strike, he had made an ...

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