Agenda setting model

What is agenda setting?

Agenda setting is a theory regarding the power of the media, this theory of agenda setting essential has a very powerful influence over the media. This influence cause our society to focus our attention on what the media states is important; the effect of this is that the media is not telling us what to think but merely what to think about; influencing us to think and feel a particular way towards the subject or situation being highlighted by media. All to lure our undermining attention from far greater issues and topics within the news.

Examples

These are examples of ways agenda setting has been used within the media, using scandals as their main piece of information displayed on the front page of their products in order to lure the attention of the public. Through media's use of intertextuality; big and bold sentences used to tease the readership of what to expect from this scandal but only to conjure an idea where this type of news has significance on our daily lives.

The two levels of agenda setting

Level 1: The first level in agenda setting refers to the media influencing the way in which society by think about a certain topic. This level of influence and control is executed through the use of particular subjects or issues to stir our thoughts towards a direction that the media intends on. All through use and manipulation of texts and images to exaggerate the extent of an issue however much the media needs to influence the public. 

Level 2: The second level in the agenda setting refers to the media forcefully deciding for the public what information regarding the subject or issue is important. Ultimately influencing our thoughts on a particular situation or subject based on a certain stamp or phrase allocated to the issue. 

Final Verdict

The agenda setting theory does bring a lot of compelling questions on how we as a society consume information. We as individuals take in information daily but what how does that influence you? We learn our entire way of lifestyle based on information. But how much the information told in the news is necessary or of any real importance? These are all aspects that the agenda setting theory has brought into question.