How Media Institutions Influence Policy and Journalism

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

This educational video explores the complex relationship between media institutions, journalism, and public policy in the United States. It begins by defining the media and journalism, establishing the press as the unofficial "fourth branch of government" intended to check power by informing citizens. The lesson analyzes how the First Amendment protects this role but also highlights how the commercialization of media—shifting from a public good to a profit-driven industry—has created tensions between journalistic integrity and financial gain. The video delves into the historical evolution of media regulations, specifically the Communications Act of 1934 and the subsequent deregulation that led to massive corporate consolidation. A significant portion of the analysis focuses on the Digital Revolution, examining how the internet and social media platforms have transformed news consumption. It introduces critical concepts like "manufactured amplification," algorithms, and echo chambers, explaining how these mechanisms often prioritize sensationalism and disinformation over factual reporting to maximize user engagement and profit. For educators, this video serves as a powerful tool for teaching media literacy and civics. It challenges students to look beyond the headlines and understand the structural forces shaping the information they consume. By using real-world examples, such as the reporting during the lead-up to the Iraq War and MIT studies on the spread of falsehoods online, the video encourages critical thinking about source credibility, confirmation bias, and the civic responsibility of citizens to seek truth in a crowded information landscape.