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What is "News?"
What is "News?"
When someone releases "news," the first thing people expect is a factual report on current events. And that is what is should be; news is an update on the current things happening in topics like politics, economics, science, sports, and more. When the public looks for current information on the world around them, they turn to the news.
When someone releases "news," the first thing people expect is a factual report on current events. And that is what is should be; news is an update on the current things happening in topics like politics, economics, science, sports, and more. When the public looks for current information on the world around them, they turn to the news.
However, it is impossible for the media to report on every single thing, so how is the news (and the ideas that come with them) determined to be acceptable for the public?
However, it is impossible for the media to report on every single thing, so how is the news (and the ideas that come with them) determined to be acceptable for the public?
The Overton Window
The Overton Window
The answer to that question is the "Overton window," a concept which determines the range of ideas that are acceptable to society. In other words, society has a "window" of ideas, with ideas outside of this window being considered too extreme or radical. This concept is named after Joseph P. Overton, who proposed that the public only accepts a limited range of ideas at a time.
The answer to that question is the "Overton window," a concept which determines the range of ideas that are acceptable to society. In other words, society has a "window" of ideas, with ideas outside of this window being considered too extreme or radical. This concept is named after Joseph P. Overton, who proposed that the public only accepts a limited range of ideas at a time.
An example of the Overton Window at work is with mental health in the early 1900s. People back then considered people with mental health issues as "crazy" and often discriminated against. The range of ideas regarding mental illness would have been limited to considering them as "inferior." Therefore, one could say that "the Overton window regarding mental illness in the early 1900s was limited to considering people with mental illness as inferior."
An example of the Overton Window at work is with mental health in the early 1900s. People back then considered people with mental health issues as "crazy" and often discriminated against. The range of ideas regarding mental illness would have been limited to considering them as "inferior." Therefore, one could say that "the Overton window regarding mental illness in the early 1900s was limited to considering people with mental illness as inferior."
The Overton window relates to news because the media needs to consider the topics they talk about based on the Overton window at the time. For example, if the news back then described people with mental illnesses as "normal," the news would have been stepping outside the Overton window of that time.
The Overton window relates to news because the media needs to consider the topics they talk about based on the Overton window at the time. For example, if the news back then described people with mental illnesses as "normal," the news would have been stepping outside the Overton window of that time.
How the Window Changes
How the Window Changes
The Overton window changes over time as society itself evolves. The change happens more quickly during times of social upheaval or cultural change, such as during the social rights movement.
The Overton window changes over time as society itself evolves. The change happens more quickly during times of social upheaval or cultural change, such as during the social rights movement.
Different groups can influence the Overton window, including activists and protesters. People who fight for change are a key reason why the Overton window changes. Political figures/celebrities are also key figures due to how impactful they are. Finally, media outlets also play critical roles by deciding which issues to present and how they are presented. As new ideas gain traction and public support, they enter the Overton window as the old ideas exit the window.
Different groups can influence the Overton window, including activists and protesters. People who fight for change are a key reason why the Overton window changes. Political figures/celebrities are also key figures due to how impactful they are. Finally, media outlets also play critical roles by deciding which issues to present and how they are presented. As new ideas gain traction and public support, they enter the Overton window as the old ideas exit the window.
In the case of mental health, the Overton window regarding it today is very different from the Overton window in the early 1900s. Mental health is now a widely recognized issue due to scientists posting research, celebrities advocating for it, and extensive media coverage. Furthermore, if anyone says that "people with mental illnesses are inferior" today, they would be outside of the Overton window and considered unacceptable.
In the case of mental health, the Overton window regarding it today is very different from the Overton window in the early 1900s. Mental health is now a widely recognized issue due to scientists posting research, celebrities advocating for it, and extensive media coverage. Furthermore, if anyone says that "people with mental illnesses are inferior" today, they would be outside of the Overton window and considered unacceptable.
The Overton Window and Debate
The Overton Window and Debate
When it comes to debate, it is very important to consider the Overton window because debates often introduce new ideas that may be considered radical at the current time. Debaters can also use the Overton window by portraying certain ideas as radical and portraying other ideas as acceptable.
When it comes to debate, it is very important to consider the Overton window because debates often introduce new ideas that may be considered radical at the current time. Debaters can also use the Overton window by portraying certain ideas as radical and portraying other ideas as acceptable.
For example, a debater could argue for policy changes on climate change, with ideas that seem radical at the start but, through persuasive argumentation, can make them seem more reasonable and even necessary. Over time, this can help shift public opinion and shift the Overton Window on such issues.
For example, a debater could argue for policy changes on climate change, with ideas that seem radical at the start but, through persuasive argumentation, can make them seem more reasonable and even necessary. Over time, this can help shift public opinion and shift the Overton Window on such issues.
Purpose of News
Purpose of News
Practical
Practical
Authorities held accountable
Safety + more accurate risk calculation
Encourages discourse
Creates order
Principled
Principled
Voters' right to know
Consent to social constract is informed, thus legitimate
Disprivileged voices
Helps privileged meet obligation to help disprivileged
What can interfere w/ news fulfilling its purpose?
What can interfere w/ news fulfilling its purpose?
Practical
Practical
Censorship or intimidation
Fake news, clickbait
Extreme bias
Distrust
Principled
Principled
Right to know interferes with safety, national security, and privacy
Centers around those who are privileged (apologism, voyeurism)
Hate speech disguised
Shifting Overton Window
Shifting Overton Window
News can shape window
Framing issues
Giving voices to certain sides
Not covering certain topics
With exterme ideas/fringe ideas, less extreme ideas become normalised
Spurring echo chambers due to:
Bad faith
Lack of coverage
Intentional polarisation
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