It Sells Papers

In chapter six of "Mass Media and American Politics" by Doris A. Graber and Johanna Dunaway there is a wide analysis of the direct involvement in politics and government affairs by journalists. During this analysis the authors come to the conclusion that muckraking journalism, the practice of gathering political dirt and muck to expose it to the public, is far less influential on policy shaping and political routine than many believe. Graber and Dunaway assert that little political change occurs in the wake of these exposures of corruption and manipulation beyond the immediate legal or political repercussions. It is suggested that far more reform is brought about by other types of media participation.

When political figures want to progress their agenda the media can serve as a conduit to further their views. By providing select information to the news media, a politician can get the public engaged in their agenda. This is one way the media can be a constructive force in political reform, if the given agenda is in the interest of the public. This practice can be a double-edge blade however, politicians have been known to use this technique to manipulate less astute or otherwise questionable journalists into progressing political agendas that are perhaps in the interest of the few rather than the many. Another potentially productive influence of journalists in political reform is using acquired information to intimidate or otherwise extort politicians into yielding to political reform. By threatening the exposure of sensitive information of a scandalous nature to the public, journalists can possibly negotiate political reform that may be otherwise resisted. Though this practice may seem dubious, sometimes the ends can justify the means.

One may ask if the more abundant muckraking journalism yields less fruitful results in terms of political reform why is it so prevalent. The answer may lie in the human condition; negative stories have a way of gaining more traction then positive ones. It is all but guaranteed that if there is a news story of a plane crash or killing spree presented next to one about curing childhood disease or providing shelter to homeless veterans, the negative story will be observed first 80 percent of the time. Blood and social discourse boost ratings; it is a sad but unfortunately true aspect of society. Since the first man picked up a stick and beat the second man to death with it; people want to hear about it. Even if this practice does not positively progress our culture or political system, journalists will continue to expose government fecal substance in a measurable effort to increase circulation.