While the media is part of the entertainment industry, it is considered to be one of the Pillars because:
~ It ties the other three Pillars together.
~ It significantly influences public opinion and thus decision making in respect of where funds are allocated.
The other Pillars use the media to promote their position, justify their decisions, endorse their views, and display their expertise to the general public. The media is rewarded with information (and sometimes misinformation) that is of interest to the public, and that is entertaining and will sell copy, in the form of leaks, press releases and sound-bites. The media promotes particular attitudes, positions, stances etc. which the other three Pillars want publicised and this is why they are rewarded.
Do you ever wonder why, when people get to be super-rich, they buy media outlets?
Could it be to promote that which they feel is of benefit to themselves and society at large? Sometimes political parties found (and fund) their own media; and Governments in totalitarian states usually own the media.
Compared to many decades ago, the media nowadays surrounds us completely and is available constantly. It assails our senses every hour of every day and therefore has, I believe, potentially far greater effect on our behaviour than in decades or centuries past.
And in media that is controlled by government or large corporations what’s not reported, or investigated, or followed through on, is as significant as that which is.
The following posts in this Sub-Chapter will offer a range of perspectives on the media industry as they affect the Focus Group.