The Political Economy of the Media and Investigative Journalism

During our last lecture of the semester, we discussed the political economy of the media and investigative journalism. The media represents our choices and values which varies between countries. For instance, the media in Australia demonstrates a capitalist democratic society while in China the media is heavily regulated. 

The owners of the media shape the values expressed. In the United States and Australia the media is owned predominately by white middle aged men. Therefore, other ethic groups, ages, religions, socio-economic classes, and sexes aren’t represented in the media. The representations of other groups in the media are from the perspective of middle aged white men. 

Politics and the media influence each other. The media has a large impact on elections. For instance, in the first televised election between John Kennedy and Richard Nixon appearance on television played a large role. Nixon did not wear make up and was released from the hospital a few days before the debate. Nixon looked worn out and Kennedy, who wore make up looked young and vibrant. The polls showed people watching the debate thought Kennedy won and people listening to the debate thought Nixon won. The fear of not performing well and appearance on television intimidated presidential hopefuls and it was sixteen years before another debate was televised. This is an example of media platforms having an influence in politics. Politicians rely on the media to deliver messages to the public.

Clip from the 1960 Presidential election. 

During the lecture we discussed investigative journalism. I am very interested in the area of investigative journalism because the public has a right to know about issues that are harder to report on than news stories on topics such as crime. Investigative journalism requires in depth research on a particular topic. 

When I hear investigative journalism I think about early investigative reporting and muckrakers such as Upton Sinclair, the author of The Jungle. The impact of investigative journalists such as Upton Sinclair changed society and journalism. The Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 and the Meat Inspection Act resulted from public pressure after reading The Jungle. 

Investigative reporting takes time and patience, but I believe it is worthwhile. I aspire to have an impact on society and reveal the truth about certain topics. Investigative reporting is important for society and serves the public interest. Sinclair inspires me to find a story, investigate, write and hopefully have a large impact on society.