PA001 Agenda Setting

PA001 Agenda Setting

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Western Governors University

D025 Essentials of Advanced Nursing Roles and Interprofessional Practice

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Introduction

The purpose of this theory application paper is to examine how the agenda-setting theory can be applied to understand the influence of political television programming—specifically CNN News, BBC News, Al Jazeera, NBC News, and MSNBC—on adolescents. First formulated by Maxwell McCombs and Donald Shaw, agenda-setting theory argues that the issues emphasized by the media subsequently become the issues the public perceives as most important (Griffin, Ledbetter, & Sparks, 2019). Within this framework, adolescents who frequently consume political TV content are likely to adopt the media’s prioritization of topics such as terrorism, immigration, human rights violations, and governmental corruption. Although this exposure may increase awareness of global and national issues, it may simultaneously encourage adolescents to engage with topics beyond their developmental comprehension. In some cases, this can contribute to rigid viewpoints, stereotyping, or polarized attitudes tied to race, nationality, or political identity.

Background

Television continues to be a dominant mode of receiving political information, particularly among young viewers who devote significant time to media consumption. Political TV shows not only relay factual information but also dramatize, highlight, and repetitively emphasize societal problems, thereby shaping adolescents’ understanding of the world. As adolescents watch these programs, they may begin to internalize the issues portrayed as urgent or threatening, even when they lack contextual knowledge or alternative viewpoints. Previous research indicates that political news programming tends to highlight negative or conflict-driven narratives, contributing to emotional strain or anxiety among young viewers (Holbert et al., 2007). Furthermore, political news often simplifies or sensationalizes issues such as terrorism, which can lead adolescents to develop skewed perceptions about international relations or minority groups (Kruikemeier & Shehata, 2017).

To illustrate how adolescents may interpret political news, Table 1 presents common themes in political TV and their potential effects.

Table 1

Common Political TV Themes and Possible Adolescent Perceptions**

Theoretical Framework

Agenda-setting theory suggests that media outlets do not tell audiences what to think, but rather what issues they should think about. Through the selection, repetition, and prominence of certain news items, media organizations filter complex realities, shaping the cognitive maps audiences rely upon to interpret society (Griffin et al., 2019). Television producers and editors function as gatekeepers, determining which issues are elevated and which remain overlooked. These agenda decisions have powerful implications, not only influencing public opinion but also indirectly guiding political discourse, policy formulation, and civic engagement.

Levels of Agenda Setting

PA001 Agenda Setting

Literature Review

Research rooted in agenda-setting theory consistently demonstrates the powerful influence of political TV news on younger audiences. These programs often direct public attention toward topics such as minority rights, political scandals, economic instability, or election controversies. Historical media events—such as the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal or the media framing during the Iraq War—demonstrate how news outlets influence public discourse, including that of adolescents who are still forming political identities (Yioutas & Segvic, 2003).

Political framing also plays a significant role in shaping adolescent perspectives. When news stations repeatedly frame certain politicians as dishonest, unstable, or heroic, adolescents may internalize these portrayals without critically examining their validity (Caulk, 2016). Furthermore, research indicates that adolescents who watch a high volume of political content often exhibit increased emotional reactivity, political cynicism, or polarized viewpoints.

Research Questions

The following questions guide the current analysis:

1. How can parents prevent their children from being influenced by political TV news?

2. How do political TV news channels contribute to bias among politicians?

Case Study

A clear example of the agenda-setting effects of political TV can be observed in the media coverage of the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election. Different news outlets highlighted varying narratives—such as email controversies, immigration policy debates, or candidate temperament—shaping how the public evaluated each candidate. These portrayals significantly influenced voter attitudes and contributed to ideological polarization (Faris et al., 2017).

In addition to political framing, gender biases frequently emerge in political news coverage. For example, women running for office often receive disproportionate attention on appearance, tone, and likability rather than policy positions, reinforcing gendered expectations and stereotypes (Kaklamanidou & Tally, 2016). Adolescents exposed to such narratives may adopt skewed perceptions of leadership roles and gender norms.

Analysis

Political TV news exerts multidimensional influences on adolescents, shaping how they interpret political issues, government institutions, and public leaders. Frequent exposure to sensationalized or negative content can contribute to anxiety, intolerance, or political disengagement. Additionally, young viewers may lack the critical media literacy skills necessary to differentiate between factual reporting and biased framing.

How can parents prevent their children from being influenced by political TV news?

Parents can mitigate negative influences by engaging in co-viewing practices, encouraging open conversations about media content, and teaching adolescents how to evaluate news sources critically. Establishing screen-time boundaries, introducing diverse sources of information, and modeling balanced political discussions can also reduce the effects of one-sided political narratives.

How do political TV news channels contribute to bias among politicians?

Political TV channels often rely on framing techniques that emphasize conflict, drama, and ideological division. Such framing can distort public perceptions of politicians, reinforcing partisan biases or casting certain leaders as inherently trustworthy or untrustworthy. When adolescents internalize these portrayals, they may form premature or exaggerated judgments about political figures or groups.

Conclusion

Political TV news greatly influences adolescents through the mechanisms described in agenda-setting theory. By emphasizing specific issues and framing political narratives in particular ways, media outlets significantly shape adolescent perceptions, conversations, and attitudes toward social and political matters. While political news exposure can contribute to greater awareness, it also runs the risk of promoting polarization, misinformation, or emotional distress among young viewers. Therefore, parental guidance, critical media literacy education, and exposure to diverse viewpoints are essential in helping adolescents navigate political information responsibly.

References

Caulk, C. (2016). Media framing and its effects on youth political attitudes. Journal of Media Psychology, 28(3), 145–158.

Faris, R., Roberts, H., Etling, B., Bourassa, N., Zuckerman, E., & Benkler, Y. (2017). Partisanship, propaganda, and disinformation: Online media and the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society.

Griffin, E., Ledbetter, A., & Sparks, G. (2019). A first look at communication theory (10th ed.). McGraw-Hill.

Holbert, R. L., Shah, D. V., & Kwak, N. (2007). Fear, anxiety, and political learning during the war on terror. Political Psychology, 28(3), 417–436.

PA001 Agenda Setting

Kaklamanidou, B., & Tally, M. (2016). Gendered media representations in political campaigns. Feminist Media Studies, 16(5), 745–761.

Kruikemeier, S., & Shehata, A. (2017). News exposure and adolescents’ political socialization. Political Communication, 34(2), 221–242.

Yioutas, J., & Segvic, I. (2003). A CNN effect? The relationship between news framing and public opinion during political scandals. Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, 80(3), 568–585.