Communication in the Information Age Course Unit

Briefing: Communication and Media in the Information Age

Source: "Communication in the Information Age," Chapter 1 of 21st Century American Government and Politics (v. 1.0).

I. Executive Summary

This course unit covers key themes and ideas from "Communication in the Information Age," focusing on the interconnected roles of communication, information, and media in American government and politics. The text highlights how economic motivations, government regulation, and technological advancements profoundly shape the media landscape and its content. It details the various types of mass media, their characteristics, and common criticisms, particularly concerning their profit-driven nature and potential for superficial coverage. The briefing then delves into the definition and acquisition of news, the concept of journalistic objectivity, and the dynamic relationship between public figures and the press (lap-dog, watchdog, attack-dog journalism). Finally, it examines the transformative impact of "new media," emphasizing increased information accessibility, the rise of narrowcasting and citizen journalism, and the unique challenges and opportunities these present for political discourse and engagement, while also noting their potential for misinformation and corporate control.