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1
The Role of Media
Description
What is the media? What does it do? Students examine the types and roles of the media by taking on the role of newsmaker and agenda setter.
Objectives
Students will be able to:
- Analyze the role of mass media in monitoring and influencing government and the public sphere.
- Explain the impact of the media on monitoring and influencing government and the public sphere.
- Analyze media communications for bias.
- Recognize the media acting in its roles as gatekeeper, agenda-setter, and watchdog.
Lesson Prep
Step by Step
ANTICIPATE by asking students if they’ve ever seen a television newscast. Ask students to recall any details they remember (graphics, music, story topics). Ask students who they think makes decisions about what stories television newscasts discuss.
DISTRIBUTE the Reading pages to each student.
READ the two reading pages with the class, pausing to discuss as necessary.
CHECK for understanding by doing the T/F Active Participation activity. Have students respond “True” or “False” as a chorus or use thumbs up/thumbs down.
DISTRIBUTE scissors, glue, and the Agenda Cutout Activity pages. Students can complete this activity individually or in pairs.
READ the directions for the cutout activity.
ALLOW students to complete the cutout activity.
REVIEW the answers to the cutout activity.
DISTRIBUTE one worksheet to each student and review the directions for the activities.
ALLOW students to complete the worksheet.
DISTRIBUTE one Extension Activity to each student and review the directions.
ALLOW students to complete the extension activity.
CLOSE by asking students to silently recall as many roles of the media as they can. Call on students until all roles have been named.
Recommended Sequence
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