Public good not being served. Based on 1947 report by Robert Maynard Hutchins, calling for a socially responsible press. A balance between freedom and responsibility. Press has responsibility to present all sides of a question Press has responsibility to report on important issues Media transmits, alters social, cultural institutions. Media forms culture, gatekeepers form media.
Media have huge impact on culture.
The mass media are cultural institutions that both reflect and affect the society in which they operate. Medium is the message. Filters include personal variables, such as family background, interests, education, etc. Selective perception, selective retention. Average adult spends half of waking hours with the media.