Write a 1,500- to 2,000-word essay analyzing and comparing two specific examples of U.S. political media coverage: one from a historical period of media coverage (e.g., the rise of television news in the mid-20th century or the growth of 24-hour cable news in the 1980s) and one from today’s digital and social media environment (e.g., viral political videos on TikTok or the impact of Facebook on election-related news distribution). Your essay should analyze and evaluate these examples, identifying potential bias and assessing their impact on political participation and public opinion.
As you write, be sure to:
· Historical Example: Select a specific instance of political media coverage from an earlier period and provide context about the media shift it reflects. Explain how this coverage shaped public understanding of political events and discuss any biases present.
· Modern Example: Select a specific example of political media coverage from today’s digital or social media landscape. Analyze how the coverage informs or misinforms the public, shapes political engagement, and reflects the dynamics of contemporary media culture (such as polarization, misinformation, or audience targeting).
· Comparison: Compare the two examples in terms of their approach to political reporting, the presence of bias, and their impact on public opinion and political participation. Consider whether the quality of political media coverage has improved or declined over time and why.
· Reflection: Conclude with your insights on the current state of American media culture. Discuss its implications for the health of U.S. democracy, addressing challenges, as well as opportunities for citizen mobilization and political engagement.
You may refer to the course material for supporting evidence, but you must also use at least two primary and three secondary external sources. All sources should be cited using CMS format.
Formatting
Please write your project in Chicago Manual of Style format and submit it as a PDF, Google Doc, or Word doc file.