Regulation of Radio

In the 1920's, radio ruled the media; it was the main medium for news and entertainment. With the invention of the popular device, stations were being formed at an alarming rate. Prior to government regulations, any station was able broadcast, which led to a overload of stations on frequencies. Government began to interfere with the Radio Act of 1912, enforcing licensing. Through regulation, government can enforce laws that change how we use a form of communication. Although the government initially did not have much control, through regulation it was able to shape the radio we listen to today.

The Radio Act of 1927 was formed to eliminate chaos on the airwaves as stations were interfering with the frequencies of others. The act gave the government power to regulate which stations were licensed to broadcast. The act also allowed the Federal Radio Commission to revoke licenses and fine those in violation of the act. Some saw the government regulation as a infringement upon the fifth amendment of the U.S. Constitution, preventing free speech in the media. Although censorship did not exist at the time, stations were not allowed to air "obscene, indecent, or profane language." FRC made sure stations operated for "public interest, convenience, and necessity." With regulation over radio, the government would influence the evolution of the device, ensuring the safety of listeners through censorship by the Federal Communications Commission(FCC).

Goodman, Mark. "The Radio Act of 1927 As a Product of Progressivism." Web. 24 September 2010. <http://www.scripps.ohiou.edu/mediahistory/mhmjour2-2.htm>.

Straubhaar, Joseph, Robert LaRose, and Lucinda Davenport. Media Now: Understanding Media, Culture, and Technology. 6th Edition. Wadsworth Publishing, 2009. 608. Print.

Social Learning

The Social Learning theory is the idea that audiences imitate what is seen through the media. The theory further explains "that viewers imitate what they see on TV through a process known as observational learning"(Media Now, 416). Since individuals can identify with characters in media, we are more likely to justify their behavior. By the justification of behavior, lack of consequences, and glamorization of characters on radio, television, and film viewers are more likely to imitate bad behavior.

The media's effect on individuals is brought forward in the film, Radio Days. The following clip (@2.02 mark) depicts the Rabbi's belief that radio shows had an effect on Joe, influencing him to steal the money from the Jewish National Fund to buy a Masked Avenger ring. The Rabbi's stance that "listening to the radio introduces foolishness and violence," is proven by Joe's behavior. Joe wanted the prized Masked Avenger ring so badly that he would disgrace his rabbi and family by stealing. Joe receives punishment, which is rarely portrayed in media, and he is strayed away from a path of discouraged behavior. Radio Days gives a prime example of social learning and its effect on society.


Sources:
Allen, Woody. Radio Days. Orion Pictures Corporation, 1987.

"Woody Allen's Radio Days Clip IV." 20 June 2009. Online video clip. Youtube. Accessed on 18 September 2010.

Straubhaar, Joseph, Robert LaRose, and Lucinda Davenport. Media Now: Understanding Media, Culture, and Technology. 6th Edition. Wadsworth Publishing, 2009. 608. Print.

Media's Use of Framing

The Framing theory, as explained in Media Now, “examines how writers frame or present a story.” Media often uses framing to create public opinion of a news story, by setting the tone with certain words and the way in which facts are interpreted. Although news is supposed to be unbiased, the use of framing allows the media to sway its audience. I believe the major network programs give a clear example of how framing is used to present a bias view of a story.

News programs on major networks, such as Nightline, 60 Minutes, or 20/20 often cover controversial trials as part of their weekly schedule. The coverage of trials by television specials present the major facts, but it is the way in which they are presented and the facts that are left out that make a report bias. One example of bias coverage of a trial is the Mumia Abu-Jamal murder case of 1982.

ABC's 20/20 has been much criticized over their 1998 report of the Abu-Jamal case. The documentary, Framing An Execution, explains how the special focused in on whether Abu-Jamal was guilty or not, instead of whether the trial was fair or not. The special framed the story around the prosecution and presented the defense in a hostile way, using editing techniques to make the lawyer seem evasive. The story told by 20/20 also left out facts and several key witnesses. The tone that the special creates, along with the facts used, leads most viewers to side with those who are depicted to be just. 

The example of the 20/20 Abu-Jamal report helps me understand how media use framing to sway audience. The coverage of the case led many to simply believe the conviction of Abu-Jamal was just. Since the audience was never presented with the idea that the trial was unjust, most people believe it is just another closed murder case.

A link to a clip of Framing An Execution can be found here.

Sources: 

Straubhaar, Joseph, Robert LaRose, and Lucinda Davenport. Media Now: Understanding Media, Culture, and Technology. 6^th Edition. Wadsworth Publishing, 2009. 608. Print.