1.4 Media and the Government

How do the media connect Canadians to their government?

bias - an opinion based on unchallenged assumptions

market research -the act of gathering information for the purpose of better understanding consumers' needs and wants

Parliamentary Press Gallery - an association of reports who cover the decisions and actions of the Canadian Government

slogan - a phrase repeatedly used by politicians or marketers to present an idea

          In order to deliver news, media personnel rely on a wide range of outlets.  This can be done through newspapers, internet, books and billboards, for example.  The main objective of the media is to deliver their message as quickly as possible to a large audience.  

          Aside from sharing local, provincial, international and world news, the media influence our understanding of the world and how it works.  All media messages, whether news or information, are created by people who interpret the facts and determine THEIR  best way to tell the story.  A journalist decides how to spin the story and whose perspective to  include.  As news is shared, it has an impact on what happens next.

          It is for this previous fact that politicians are cautious about what is shared about them with the media.  Their staff develop speeches that are carefully prescripted in order for the politician to avoid possible misinterpretation.  Memorable quotes or catch phrases become a sort of slogan for the politicians party or platform.  

          Finding the truth about a story is not always easy and is not always clearly stated on a website.  This is why reporters research and dig to find the real information in order to provide credible information.  This is also another reason why we learn about finding accurate information from reliable sources, as well as learn how to determine if information is biased. 

          The Parliamentary Press Gallery is a group of approximately 350 reporters who work for different news agencies across Canada.  Some of these  reporters work for:

• APTN - Aboriginal Peoples Television Network

  • • Providing the First Nations, Métis and Inuit people with programming that is done in English, French, as well as many other Indigenous languages.  This network provides the Indigenous people with an outlet to share their stories with people across the nation.

• Association de la Presse Francophone 

  • • With many Francophone people living outside of Québec, this association provides the Canadiens with another source of French and cultural information.

• CBC/Radio-Canada

  • • As Canada's public broadcaster, this organization provides television, radio, internet and satellite-based services in eight Indigenous languages, as well as both of Canada's official languages.  This unique programming is also shared with those who live abroad.

• le Devoir

  • • A French language newspaper distributed to those living in Québec

• Ming Pao News

  • • With approximately 1.56 million Canadians who are part of the Canadian Chinese population, this newspaper that is based in Hong Kong has both a Toronto and Vancouver edition

• Omni Television

  • • As a diverse nation, Omni Television meets the needs of those who seek information related to multicultural, and multi-faith programming.  These broadcasts are provided in many languages, helping ot target some of the minority cultural groups in Canada

What are some examples of biases that you have?  

          These can be on point-of-views that relate to food, people, political parties, etc.

Record these thoughts below.

With the increase of information/news being shared on the internet, social media and other digital age forms, we need be able to determine if the information reflects a balance of views or if it is simply based on a person's point of view.  

Example:  Johnny comes to Mrs. Sanders to retell the story of how Betty got hurt.  Johnny's perspective of what happened was based on what he saw out of the corner of his eye.  When Mrs. Sanders speaks to Betty, a different story seems to come out.  

Why might there be two stories?

Law to Fix Election Dates

Read the following and answer the questions to help determine if the following article contains a bias or if it is based on truth.

At the end of this chapter you will be preparing a speech to help you earn the title of "Prime Minister For a Day".  As part of your task you will need to answer the following question:

What issue do you feel is the most important that government should deal with and how would you propose to do this?  Use supporting evidence to help you persuade the Speaker of the House.  

          You will be required to research the topic you choose to discuss, ensuring that you do not base your information on biased views or untruth.   Begin by looking for a topic that you wish to find out more on.  Here are a few resources that may help you get started:

• Social Issues in Canada

• I Side With

• 11 Most Controversial Issues Dividing the Country

• Canadian Civil Liberties Association

          As part of this assignment, you will be required to keep track of ALL resources that you have read through, even if you decide not to use the information.  You will then be required to indicate in the chart if the resources is credible or non-credible, and explain why.

Go to Workspace:  SS 9 Chapter 1

          Under Resources, you will find a document titled "Using Easybib" and under Evidence, there is the document "PMFTD - Resource List".  This document will be used to complete the following questions on ALL resources that you read through to research your topics.

1. Title of site/article

2. Web Address if applicable

3. Author 

4. Organization they are affiliated with

5. What authority do they have to speak about the subject?

6. Does the information provide facts and evidence?

7. Does it use stereotyping, or appeal to fear or emotion?

8. Does it ignore any people or groups?

9. How does the information fit with what you already know?

10. What can you research to verify the information for accuracy?

1.7: Lobbyists and the Government