To achieve his objective, Paletz takes a broad view of the media. He begins with news, explaining why it is so often about scandals, controversies, conflicts, crises, disasters and violence. The result is often a simplified one-dimensional impression of American politics and government, he said. Looking at commentary from pundits, columnists and opinion publications, as well as others, Paletz said he found much of it superficial and uninformative. Too many topics are broached too briefly in too little time.
Belligerence is common, often disguising ignorance and vacuity.
Conservatives and moderates dominate the broadcast media. And yet, amidst the cacophony, ideas, thoughtful discussion, insights and illuminations can be found. He identifies the political contents and consequences of comedy, MTV, soap operas, quiz shows, movies, comic strips, and much more, even postage stamps. Paletz takes an equally broad view of politics. He covers people's socialization, opinions, and political participation, showing how media content is contradictory about women, more or less hostile toward gays, improving with regard to blacks, and tends to diminish the political knowledge and behavior of the economically disadvantaged.