Gatekeeping (a process through which certain people such as reporters, writers and editors decide whether or not particular issues are to be seen or heard on the news) and agenda setting (the process whereby the mass media determines what we think and worry about, and the idea that the news often focuses on unimportant things) combine in an attempt to control our access to news, information, and entertainment. The Onion News Network features a story entitled “Thousands Of Girls Match Description Of Missing Sorority Sister.” In this case, gatekeeping is demonstrated because those who help comprise “news” stories for the Onion decided that the issue of teenage conformity and the stereotyped image of the Sorority Sister is an important issue. Agenda setting is illustrated because the Onion has determined that this is something people need to be concerned about, although it is actually a fairly unimportant topic. The more alarming aspect of the story (the fact that a girl has gone missing) is covered up by prolonged discussion on the girl’s description and how it fits thousands of other college girls. Thus, discourse (the way in which people talk about a topic) makes the case of the missing girl insignificant in comparison to the fact that such as large number of girls “could be Jessica” because they are all so similar and fit the same description (Ugg boots, “pink” pants, etc.) An authoritative tone is maintained throughout the clip, which holds true for Fox news stories as well. However, humor remains unique to the Onion’s story. Baym discusses how “fake news,” with the agenda “to make people laugh,” actually triggers intellegent conversation about the topics presented, which often breaks down traditional social boundaries, and is thus more influential than people initially perceive it to be. (Baym, 260). Satire is the main form of discourse used in this “news” clip, and Baym supports the idea that it is an effective way to communicate ideas to an audience.
Real news stories, taken from Fox News online, also demonstrate gatekeeping, agenda setting and discourse. Supporting the idea that agenda setting involves reporting unimportant news stories, Fox featured an article entitled “Vandalized Snail Art Has Locals Shell Shocked,” discussing vandalism to a series of large, pink snails (part of a temporary art exhibit). On a more serious note, a story called “U.S. Falls in World Education Rankings” exhibits how Fox has established that the slacking of America’s educational performance, in comparison to that of other countries such as China, is a critical concern. By showing a clip of Obama addressing the issue and by interviewing Eva Moskowitz, C.E.O. and founder of the success charter network, Fox illuminates agenda setting by reinforcing how improving the performance of U.S. students is, or should be, of top priority. Thus, we being to think of this issue through the way it is discussed and dealt with on the news (in terms of discourse). Baym claims that traditional news sources such as the nightly Fox News have been "fractured” and are losing authority (Baym, 259).
Thousands Of Girls Match Description Of Missing Sorority Sister
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