Describe the development of newspapers in Texas from the frontier ...

[sjones]

Describe the development of newspapers in Texas from the frontier period through today. What are the consequences of changes that have occurred, and what is the current role of newspapers in the state?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Describe at least three ways in which modern political campaigns are shaped by the mass media. What are the implications for elections and democracy in Texas and America?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[alexisweber49]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: An ideal response will:

1. Explain the nature of frontier newspapers as partisan outlets for commentary on public issues.
2. Explain how Texas's major newspapers were part of the conservative establishment during the twentieth century prior to the 1970s.
3. Explain that the 1970s and 1980s saw a rise in the professionalism and quality of Texas newspapers and a change in their role, from supporter of the conservative establishment to more of a watchdog.
4. Explain that newspapers are now more likely to be owned by large conglomerates but that newspapers still retain significant editorial autonomy.
5. Explain that newspapers have declined in importance as a news source.
6. Explain that newspapers have cut staff, including reporters at the Capitol, so they are less capable of covering government and politics and their quality has suffered.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: An ideal response will:

1. Identify and define sound bites, horse-race coverage, feel-good spots, spin, and negative ads.
2. Explain that compared to campaigns of the past, contemporary campaigns in Texas, particularly for statewide office, are constructed around the media so there is less emphasis on stump speeches, door-to-door campaigning, etc.
3. Note that money has become more important in campaigns.
4. Explain that citizens have become more cynical about politics as a result of the nature of campaigns.