Chapter 13 Questions

1. Describe a situation in which you thought personal or pubic expression went too far and should be burned? How might you remedy this situation?
One situation in which I thought personal or public expression went too far was in the Super Bowl when Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake were performing during the half-time show. Justin Timberlake “accidentally” ripped off the clothing area around Janet Jackson’s breast, exposing everything to everyone watching live television. This act of public expression went way too far and should not have happened. Many young boys watch the Super Bowl and this act to get attention was obscene and unnecessary. To remedy this situation, we could simply not allow people like the before mentioned to participate in live performances where large crowds would be present. It creates a bad atmosphere and downgrades the image of the people involved.

Chapter 12 Questions

1. I believe that a public relations activity such as image consulting is somewhat ethical. On one hand, we live in a country that stresses equality and freedom so ardently. As a result, this free agency pertains to everything. If an individual desires to have an image consultant, they have the right to pay something to aid them in the things that they wish to be helped with. On the other hand it could be argued that it is unethical because people involved in public relations tend to stretch the truth and tell half lies about certain things to make an individual appear better than they truly are. It is all about who can make the other person seem more perfect than the next.

2. I believe that exaggerated promotional methods do in fact exist today. An example of such a promotional method would be the advertisements on television about what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. These ads exaggeratedly promote sexual innuendos that does not necessarily happen every single time. They promote the tourism aspects of Las Vegas. Another example of an exaggerated promotional method is the Blue Men Group. They appeared on television to promote IBM computers. They were blue because the nickname for IBM was Big Blue and so they decided to make the men blue in their entirety. It was an exaggerated stance of promoting these computers.

Chapter 11 Questions

1. One effective ad that I found was the Herbal Essence Shampoo advertisement. This advertisement proved to be extremely effective due to the fact that the model in the ad is extremely attractive and her hair looks soft and silky. It makes the viewer want to have luxurious hair just like the model’s hair. The words on the ad, “We can’t keep something this juicy a secret,” are very captivating and intriguing. They make the viewer want to continue looking at the advertisement in the hopes of uncovering what the secret is.

Another advertisement that I found to be good and effective was the Apple Ipod ad. It’s simple complexity captivates and commands attention. The fact that the person is a silhouette makes the actual product pop out from the picture which is exactly what advertising is about. It is about selling the product.

One ad that I found to be ineffective was the Nike advertisement. It does not make sense and it does not show the product at all in the advertisement. True, it is rather enthralling, but it does not make me was the viewer desire to purchase the merchandise.

A second advertisement that I found to be bad was the Virgin Money Home Loans ad. Not only is it disgusting but also is not clear as to what they are trying to promote. The visual is so disturbing that if I saw this advertisement in a magazine I would merely glance at it in disgust and immediately turn the page. Advertisements would undoubtedly prove ineffective.

2. I believe that advertising is, for the most part, extremely effective. It provides a means of revealing to the public new products that could be very useful in life. It is a way for sellers to communicate with potential buyers in a creative way and promote their products the way that they want to promote them. One instance that advertising influenced my decision to buy something was when I see certain items of clothing on mannequins. Window displays are a form of advertising and there have been countless times where I have found myself wanting to buy what I see in the window. One instance that advertising influenced me not to buy something was when I saw the above the influence advertisements on television or in magazines. They are the coolest ads and they really influence they way you think. I have never wanted to take drugs but after seeing those advertisements it just reassured my original thinking and I knew that I would never purchase drugs. The mere symbol alone is a reminder of what I need to be like so that I do not get sucked into that dark world or self destruction.

Chapter 9 Questions

1. After tracking my television viewing for one week I learned that I do not really watch television that often but when I do I only watch shows on two channels: the CW and ABC. Since I do not receive either of those channels, I view my desired shows on their websites. With advances in technology, we are now able to watch entire episodes basically commercial free online. The shows that I watch regularly are Gossip Girl, 90210, Privileged, One Tree Hill, and America’s Next Top Model. The best thing about watching the episodes online is that I can do so whenever I want. As a college student I do not have a lot of time to lounge around and watch television so when the opportunity arises to do so, I can simply go to my computer and watch the shows I want to watch. Through this experience I learned that television tries to accommodate all types of people and their interests. There is a channel for almost every interest. Television provides you with a means of ending boredom. Most people only watch television because they have nothing else to do. It is a means of self entertainment that requires no effort on the viewer’s side.



2. I do not agree with the statement that networks tend to offer TV programs that appeal to the “lowest common denominator.” The majority of television shows on the CW are aimed towards teenagers, many of which are spoiled filthy. In reality there are only a handful of schools that actually have students of that intensity like in them. Many shows are unfortunately not able to be related to by the majority of people because they are so unrealistic. There are however, a few programs that are definitely for the LCD. I believe that especially in perilous times like these, the show Extreme Makeover Home Edition is for the LCD. Many people have had encounters with having to remodel their homes or something of that nature. The show has good intensions and shows ways in which people can improve their homes if necessary. One network that I believe defies the LCD label is the CW. True, it attracts many young viewers but it is extremely unrealistic and does not relate to the majority of its viewers.





3. I disagree with the statement that television has had a greater impact on society than any other form of media. In my opinion, this title goes to the internet. Internet encompasses television in it. Internet offers an endless array of options. You can read the news, play games, communicate with friends, find information, watch television, listen to the radio. The list is endless. Television did have a significant impact on society but internet definitely surpassed television in the aspect of impact.

Chapter 8 Questions

1. The amount of sex and violence is increasing in motion pictures because those are two of the most appealing elements in the media. They intrigue viewers to continue viewing and it excites them as they watch. I think this trend starts out in the beginning as something that society is merely given. These elements are just thrown into motion pictures randomly and people who want to watch these movies are in a sense, forced to watch those scenes. However, even though it may start out was something that society is simply given, in my opinion it evolves into a matter of Hollywood giving society what they want. This is due to the fact that these elements are rather addicting and as a result, the more viewers see sex and violence, the more they want to continue viewing it.

2. If I were a movie producer, I would first find actors and actresses who are famous who are well liked by many, but still competent enough to play my characters well. Next I would advertise for my movie extremely well by making an edgy trailer so that people who see this trailer will be tempted to watch the movie. I would also hook up with well known websites like AOL or Yahoo and advertise for my movie on their home pages so that many people would have access to it. I would include elements of mystery and intrigue to attract people to actually going and seeing the movie. Also, I would probably include elements of sex and violence due to the fact that those elements attract viewers.

Chapter 7 Questions

1. The first radio station that I chose was KRAR 106.9 FM radio. They are a hip-hop radio station which a target audience of teenagers who enjoy listening to hip-hop music. They advertise using celebrities to lure teenagers towards their station. They are successful due to their advertising techniques and their ability to play what their target audience wants to hear. The second radio station that I chose was KBYU 89.1 FM. They play classical music to a target audience consisting of BYU students, staff, and alumni who enjoy this genre of music. They advertise on campus and are successful because everybody knows of this station. The third radio station that I chose was KODJ 94.1 FM radio. This station plays oldies music, targeting an audience primarily interested in listening to hits from the 60’s and 70’s. They advertise through their website and are successful because they cater to their audience’s desires. The fourth radio station that I chose was KSVC 980 AM. This is a talk radio station. This station classifies itself as “the talk of Mid Utah.” The target audience would be people interested in listening to people like Dr. Lauren and Sean Hannity. This station advertises on billboards and on their website. They are successful because they host renowned talk radio hosts who listeners consider to be their favorites. The final radio station that I chose was KOVO 960 AM. This is a sports radio channel. The target audience is mainly men who enjoy listening to the scores and happenings of national games. They advertise on billboards and on their website. They are successful because they have a website which would please males.

2. Radio is the most personal of media because it is almost as if the talk radio hosts are directly speaking to you or the music stations are directly playing for you. People usually tune into stations that they are personally interested in and as a result, listeners receive information that applies to them directly. Music is an important part in radio programming due to the fact that everybody loves music. It is a means of relaxation while driving home from a hard day at work or a way to stay updated on the newest music. Talk radio is so popular because the hosts always address current issues that the public shows interest in. The successful talk shows usually have a right view leaning which many people identify with, making the listening that much more enjoyable.

Chapter 6 Questions

1. Many metropolitan daily newspapers have lost circulation and some have shut down because the newspapers of the United States have all decided to go to the democratic side of the discussion. Newspapers are supposed to be unbiased and present the news. However, they are normally presenting the news with a democratic leaning. Sometimes the nuance of this left leaning bias is very subtle, but still present. People do not want to read bias articles and as a result they are losing business. People do not want to read opinion; they want to read the news. New York Times has announced that inn January, they intend to shut down a subsidiary that distributes newspapers and magazines in the metropolitan area. “This was a difficult decision to make since it affects a large number of dedicated employees,” the president and general manager of The Times, Scott Heekin-Canedy, said in a statement. “But the business environment has changed dramatically since 1992 when City and Suburban was formed and wholesale distribution is no longer an economical business for the Times Company.” This indicates that they were not making enough revenue to continue distribution in the metropolitan area. On the other hand, community newspapers are booming due to the fact that they are presenting news that is based solely on facts. They usually publish articles talking about non political offices that have occurred in that city, accidents, or local crimes. They do not include their own personal biases. An example of a community newspaper that is booming is my local newspaper from back home: The Chino Champion. My entire community reads it and quite frequently we recognize people in the newspaper which makes it very personal.

2. I chose to “delve” into the Daily Herald. The balance between hard and soft news, in my opinion, would be the section regarding technology. This topic creates a happy medium between facts and entertainment. Topics that are covered in the Daily Herald include: crime, business, courts, development, education, environment, government, health/medicine, history, military, politics, public safety, recreation, religion, senior citizens, transportation, and technology. I do not think that most newspapers are still the watchdogs they used to be mainly due to their subtle or transparent biases. Newspapers are no longer trying to inform the public of daily happenings. Now they are merely conveying their own opinions on matters, in the hopes of swaying their readers towards the same thinking as the authors.

Chapter 5 Questions

1. I went to Barnes and Noble Bookstore and chose to scan through the magazine entitled Modern Dog. (I thought the title was pretty funny) This magazine generally appeals to women who are intense dog lovers and/or owners. It gives the reader tips on how to care of their dogs. I think this magazine is mainly targeted towards women due to the fact that most men don’t read dog magazines unless they have no lives. The cover even had a picture of a smiling woman and her beloved dog. The advertisements in Modern Dog were exactly what I expected to find. They consisted of pet stores and different brands of dog food. This magazine was basically extremely predictable and I’m sure many middle aged to elderly women enjoy reading this magazine to learn different tactics of pampering and grooming their canine.

2. In my opinion, the electronic media has had a rather neutral effect on the magazine industry. There are still millions of subscribers who faithfully renew their subscriptions when they come to an end. I know this from first hand experience. There is something about getting a tangible thing in the mail that appeals to so many people. It is almost as if we get a personalized gift every month. In the future the electronic media may have a slightly downward effect on the magazine industry’s profit. However, I personally feel that people will still crave that monthly “gift.” Even when you look up the magazine’s website, you usually cant find the whole magazine. At most they will show excerpts from certain pages to get the viewer to actually go out and purchase the magazine. When you’ve been doing something for so many years, you will realize that, as cliché as this sounds, old habits die hard.

Chapter 4 Questions

1. After surveying my ten people, I have come to the conclusion that most people in a college atmosphere read an average of five books in a period of six months. These people are always around books and studying so they read quite frequently. For some of the people that I polled, they read one book if any in a span of six months. I find this alarming for a student in college because even if they only read books that are forced upon them to complete a class, they are still bound to come across a couple books that they somewhat enjoyed. Most people that I polled only read books that were fictional. This did not surprise me because the most enjoyable books for people are ones that are made up.

2. I would prefer to use regular textbooks in class because they are more easily accessible. At times, the student may not have their computer or the internet handy so they would not be able to read the text, whereas a student can always read the text from an actual book. I cannot highlight or write notes in electronic textbooks which really hinders my studying techniques. Also, the mere fact that a textbook is actually tangible compared to an online textbook makes it so much more personal and reliable. It is also something that I can always refer back to and keep forever. I would prefer to have actual books to read leisurely. I would not enjoy an online book because it would strain my eyes to read for such great lengths. I also would not be able to take it with me wherever I went and so it would probably take me longer to actually complete the book

Chapter 3 Questions

1. Yes, I do believe that negative stereotypes exist in the media today. How many times have we seen the dumb cheerleader or the popular prom queen, the jock that acts like a jerk or the geek that has no friends on television? There are plenty of people in the world who are counterexamples to these stereotypes themselves. It seems as though the media thrives on highlighting these different “cliques” relentlessly. Although many of these stereotypes are unfair and judgmental, I understand that biases are ever present, inevitable components of the media. Also, certain media has its negative stereotypes on some political topics. With the upcoming election, certain channels on television and certain newspapers clearly have their negative stereotypes on the political parties that they do not support. Even though the media is not supposed to show bias towards any political groups, it is hard to conceal feelings for something that you disagree with so strongly.

2. If people overly distance themselves from the outside world, they would live in a “la-la land” where everything went the way they picture the world in their minds. These unrealistic people would not be in tune to the happenings in the world and ultimately be unaware of things that are making history. They would never know what was going on outside of their “perfect” life and if they were ever reemerged into the outside world, they would most likely not know how to deal with the harsh realities that happen each and every day. Depending on the age of this person, they would be in for a huge culture shock. These kinds of people do exist today. In the Amish community, they distance themselves from the rest of society and live each day in an orderly fashion. They provide for themselves and most of them are unaware of things going on in the outside world. Even though they are still well off while being distant from the real world, they miss out on the normalcy of life in a busy city or the joys that come from technological advances.

Chapter 1 Questions

1. . In a newspaper, the senders are the authors of the articles and the receivers are the readers of the newspapers. The senders transmit their messages through a channel which sometimes could get interrupted by noise. The main form of noise for newspapers would most likely be Symantec noise because newspaper journalists tend to use a wider range of vocabulary which many average readers cannot comprehend. In a newspaper article, the sender would be the authors of the articles and the receiver would be the subscriber or purchaser of the magazine. Feedback for a newspaper could be critics reading their articles and then evaluating the article. The senders transmit their message through a channel which could get interrupted by internal noise. The reader of the magazine could be thinking about other things as they read the magazine and as a result, they could miss the message of the article. Feedback for magazine articles could be readers writing to the magazine and telling them what they thought about the article. In a radio program, the sender is the host of the radio show and the receiver is the listener of the program. The sender transmits the message through either an AM or FM channel which could most frequently be interrupted by mechanical or environmental noise. Feedback to the sender from the receiver would be people calling in and telling the host of the radio program what they thought about the program. In a television program, the sender would be the producer of the show and the receiver would be the viewers of the show. Television producers send their message through channels on the television which could get interrupted by all four forms of noise. Viewers can send feedback to the television programs by the number of viewers who watch their show each week.

2.The most entertaining form of mass media is the internet. People spend hours upon hours online, wasting their day away on Facebook, Myspace, or Youtube. It is their main source of entertainment. You can listen to music, talk to friends, look at pictures of your friends, or watch entire videos.
The most informative form of mass media is the internet. It is always at hand and easily accessible. It is an endless world of informing and you can find whatever information you need from various places, instead of from one single source. The most persuasive form of mass media is the television. It is the most persuasive due to the fact that you can actually see the faces that are talking to you. You can see the emotion in their faces and feel whatever they’re feeling just by seeing them. It is almost as though they are talking directly to you. When you see someone passionately talking about a topic, the viewer tends to be swayed in the direction of the speaker