Download Evaluating Media Messages

Evaluating Media
Messages
Senior Social Studies
What are media messages?

Media messages are those distributed by
organizations with the intent of communicating
an idea or ideas to a wide audience.

Media messages are constructed in different
ways for different purposes.
Objective:

Evaluate how and why messages are:
1) constructed using particular tools (e.g., textual,
graphical, audio, visual and interactive elements)
 2) constructed using particular characteristics (e.g.,
style, tone, organization)
 3) constructed using particular conventions (e.g., use
of evidence, point of view, citations)


. . . for unique purposes.
Why does it matter?

Communication methods influence the ways
people define and act on issues.

Media messages affect public opinion on issues
and organizations adjust their messages for
different audiences.
Syllabus

Watch “The Persuaders” at www.pbs.org
Marketing Products
 Marketing Culture
 Marketing Politics


Complete analysis questions


Mrs. Gerken’s Webpage: copy and paste into your
Google Docs and share with Mrs. Gerken & Mr.
Fechuch
Complete “Advertising Code of Ethics” project
Advertising Code of Ethics

"The Persuaders" makes clear that marketing has an
impact on society beyond its ability to convince
consumers to buy a particular product or not.
Consider the responsibilities of an advertiser in a
democratic society and develop a code of ethics
for sponsors and creators of advertising.

To get started, look at some examples of advertising
ethics policies, like the Vatican's statement on
advertising. An industry example is available from the
American Marketing Association.