It is nearly impossible to understand the working of politics and policymaking without appreciating the integral role of the media in shaping the public dialogue. Traditionally, news media have been seen as a normative democratic political institution whose job is to inform citizens about public issues and act as guardian of the public interest. Lately, however, those perceptions have evolved in both scope and complexity as the ever-accelerating 24/7 news cycle and an increasingly strident tone of public dialogue makes it more difficult to focus public debate, evaluate the accuracy of information or the validity of sources, and build a political consensus necessary to shape, lead or change public policy.
Featured Event
Public Policy in 140 Characters
Social Media and Public Officials
Join us to discuss social media’s role as a primary communications tool for public officials today.
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Courses
Media in Public Affairs - Dan Bartlett and Jeff Patterson
New Political Media - Evan Smith and Jeff Patterson
Social Policy Filmmaking - Paul Stekler