A group featuring media leaders discussed the role of television, newspapers, the Internet and other forms of communication during a panel discussion titled "Formula For American Democracy," held Sept. 28. Details...
Hosted by the School of Communications Advisory Board, the panel was moderated by Frances Ward-Johnson, associate professor of communications. The panelists included:
- Lee Rainie, director of the Pew Internet and American Life Project and former managing editor of U.S. News
- Reggie Murphy, director of research for Gannett’s newspaper division, which publishes USA Today
- Joe Gleason, managing director of Manning Selvage & Lee, a public relations firm
- Kelly Carlton, creative director of motion graphics for Intralink Film in Los Angeles.
Panelists discussed the changing landscape of the media world and noted that today’s voters have a wider variety of choices when it comes to news.
“In this election, more than any other election, we as citizens have a unique challenge, because we have so many outlets to go to when it comes to news,” said Murphy.
Murphy also discussed a recent USA Today survey of undecided voters in Ohio. He said the paper found that “ads that were most memorable were also the most negative.”
Gleason argued that the various Web sites and media events being arranged by political campaigns are in fact propaganda and not public relations. He was critical of ads that attack a candidate’s character.
“Be wary of ads that attack character,” Gleason told the audience in Whitley Auditorium. “These ads are designed to give you something to vote against, not something to vote for.”
Carlton worked on television ads for Michael Moore’s film “Fahrenheit 9/11.” He discussed the limits placed on advertising for the movie by federal election laws.
“We produced spots and gave them directly to the lawyers to ensure compliance with election laws and third-party laws.” Carlton said he believes documentary films such as “Fahrenheit” are becoming more accepted as a medium to attract an audience. “We’re starting to see the Republicans do the same thing. It’s a very interesting topic.”
Rainie discussed the Internet and its growing influence on the political process. He said he believes the growth in technology and opportunities for people to vote before election day are good things.
“More people will be voting this election day because of new ways to vote, such as early voting, and because we have a lot to talk about.”
Gleason said the mood this election season doesn’t give candidates a chance to abandon attack ads and run a clean campaign.
“In this environment, it’s a slugfest and if you’re just taking punches, you’re going to lose.”