Real Communication An Introduction

554 Appendix B   Understanding Mass and Mediated Communication

c Abigail is experiencing media convergence. She combines traditional forms of

mass media—television and books—with more interactive computer technol-

ogy as she streams her favorite shows on the Internet and comments on fan

blogs. Traditional media are still prominent, but these media interact with her

use of texting and social networking. Even her “family time” with her brother

is connected to media (video games and television), as is her schoolwork.

c Because of all of the different forms of media that Abigail has access to, she

can be very selective about what she uses and why. She is not likely to bother

with content that she doesn’t like or want. Thus, media content creators

(filmmakers, television producers, and so on) must be sure to include mes-

sages that appeal to her and others in her demographic group.

c Abigail uses Facebook not only to make connections with her peers but also

to contribute her own comments and feelings about cultural phenomena,

such as the Hunger Games trilogy and the actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt. This

cultural bonding may build social capital among her network of friends.

Activities

1. LaunchPad for Real Communication offers key term videos and encourages self-
   assessment through adaptive quizzing. Go to bedfordstmartins.com/realcomm
   to get access to:

LearningCurve

Adaptive Quizzes.

A

1L hPdf RlC i

THINGS TO TRY

Video clips that illustrate key concepts, highlighted

in teal in the Real Reference section that follows.

2. Take notes as you watch one of your usual TV programs. What are some un-
   derlying messages of the story or the events? What are the values and traits of
   the characters you like the most and the least? Are they stereotypical? If so, what
   would a nonstereotypical character actually look like?


3. Compare the news coverage for a political controversy on the Web sites of Fox
   News, CNN, MSNBC, NPR, and the wire services (AP and Reuters). What are
   the similarities? What are the differences? Then check the Web sites for both
   Media Matters for America and Media Research Center (or its offshoot, News-
   Busters), and see how each of these media watchdogs criticizes the coverage.
   What biases do the watchdogs themselves seem to spout?


4. Think of a controversial issue about which you have very strong opinions. Write
   one paragraph describing the key problem and its main causes, taking care to
   present your information as objectively as possible, and then send it to a few
   friends. Can they detect where you stand on the issue based on the way you
   have presented your message? Have you really remained objective? Is it possible
   to inform without some bias when it comes to divisive issues?


5. List your five favorite TV shows. What do they have in common? Are these the
   same top five that your friends would list? Why or why not? What is it specifi-
   cally that you like about these shows? What needs are being met by watching
   them? How do you think they affect you?

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