Making Media More Magical: Tips for a Better Democracy

Christine Richardson

When you ask people about how they feel about the U.S. Presidential election, the answers aren’t usually positive. Scared. Tired. Frustrated. Fed up. While this isn’t unusual — with longer and longer election cycles, it’s pretty common — this year’s U.S. Presidential election is unlike anything we’ve ever witnessed. That’s why it’s so important to make a plan to vote and remind your friends to do the same.

Issues with any or all of the candidates aside, I’ve been thinking about the role of the media in creating voter dissatisfaction. (Disclaimer — I’m using the term “media” in a very general sense. Obviously “the media” encompasses so much, everything from TMZ to The PBS Newshour. Breaking down the different types of media under this umbrella would take an entire article — so please bear with me as I use the term in its broadest, most generic sense.)

Politicians from all parties use the media to their advantage to talk to their supporters and to cast a bad light their opponents. In 2016, this is easier than ever with a wide range of news outlets, opinion blogs, and social media platforms that often favor a major political party and use their talking points.

Sometimes it’s hard to see media bias. Other times?

Politicians and parties use these channels to to attempt to shape the debate on a subject and influence public opinion. When media outlets present biased information, people often latch on to the outlets that confirm, rather than challenge, their their own biases and beliefs. Political candidates and parties know this and use these outlets to their full advantage.

The media is also influenced by the same powerful force that shapes a lot of politics — money. The media will follow stories that will generate interest, clicks, and ad views, which in turn means greater revenues. Instead of tackling difficult topics and digging into specifics about how to solve problems, the media follows what is most eye-catching: scandals, name calling, and celebrity.

In some ways, the internet has helped level the playing field; anyone can post, not just traditional media giants. It’s easier than ever to challenge biased or inaccurate reporting and information and to hear directly from people on the ground. On the other hand, anyone can post, regardless of their qualifications or respect for accuracy, which often adds more conflicting information and fuels the fire.

Some will lament for the early days of the media, wondering whatever happened to the idea of a non-biased news media that acted in the interest of the public? In truth, media is always influenced by its creators and funders. If we’ve learned anything from Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton, it’s that debates and worries we have today are the same issues we’ve struggled with since our founding over 200 years ago.

It’s been a long struggle — and in many ways, media has become overwhelming and distracting from the issues that really need to be addressed. But Hamilton — like Harry Potter and the Hunger Games and all the great stories we’ve loved — we also learned that individual people can make the world better. So how can you help reform political media?

• Start by seeking out news and information from places other than your usual sources. Seek another point of view. Whether small, independent blogs or major news outlets, checking out sources outside of our bubble helps create a fuller picture of the world.
• Question what you read and see. Ask yourself if the people responsible for what you are reading or listening to have an agenda. (Spoilers: they probably do.) If so, do you know what their agenda is?
• Challenge yourself to see things from another point of view. When someone disagrees with your views, do you dismiss their ideas? Do you ever ask yourself why they believe what they do? What events, experiences, hopes and fears inform their thinking? If media isn’t presenting people as complex beings, then we must show our community how to do just that.
• You can question your own opinions by asking yourself why you truly feel the way you do on a certain topic. Do your beliefs match credible evidence on the subject, or are they contrary to proven facts? Often, beliefs rooted in hate and oppression can be passed down through history. Racism, sexism, queerphobia and more are not rooted in fact, but in tradition.
• Do your homework. If you don’t know about an issue, find non-biased sources of information. Not sure where to start? Go to your local library (or their website) and ask a librarian for guidance. In some cases there are varying educated opinions on a topic, such as revamping our tax code, and in other cases there is a stronger global consensus on a topic, such as climate change.

Even small outlets can provide great information and reporting!

• If you feel safe in doing so, talk to people you care about who may be falling into these traps — regardless of their political beliefs. None of us are perfect activists or media consumers: we are all constantly learning and evolving. Remember this. Engage in conversations that help everyone think critically about an issue and its proposed solutions. If your goal is to listen to one another and examine if what the media is telling you is true, you can have a really enlightening conversation. If your goal is to shame the other person for their beliefs or deride their media choices, you probably won’t get as far. Talking to those close to us about issues related to politics can be hard, but also powerful. When in doubt, remember what Dumbledore said: “It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.”
• Another way to make positive change is to support net neutrality! Net neutrality means preventing Internet service providers from favoring or blocking content. Without net neutrality, the influence of money on the dissemination of information would become even more pronounced, and other viewpoints could be shut out entirely. Since we are working towards more transparency in our media, net neutrality is a must! Check out the Electronic Frontier Foundation to learn more about how you can support net neutrality.
• Last but not least, always vote! Check out the HPA’s Wizard Rock the Vote campaign. You can also support the HPA’s work on getting out the vote and many other important causes.

The current state of our politics and media isn’t always easy. It’s hard to disguish the Quibblers from the Daily Prophets. But with our hearts and our determination — as well as a good library and an internet connection — we have the power right now to make media and democracy more magical.

About the Author: Christine is a librarian by day and nerdfighter always. She volunteers with the HPA and Uplift.