Assignment 2: Media Bias

Media Bias...

The Superbowl commercial that has received a lot of special attention is “Halftime in America.” The commercial features the American icon, Clint Eastwood. The ad features Detroit as a “model for American recovery.” It features every day families and the middle class workers.

"People are out of work and they're hurting," the 81-year-old Eastwood says in his trademark gravelly voice. "And they're all wondering what they're gonna do to make a comeback. And we're all scared because this isn't a game. The people of Detroit know a little something about this. They almost lost everything. But we all pulled together. Now, Motor City is fighting again." [–reviewed at TheAssociated Press; story by Corey Williams; Feb. 6, 2012 - " 'Halftime in America' ad creates political debate"

The AP reported the story as having some kind of political rise…or reference.  Some say it hits on the federal government’s auto industry bailouts. Others characterize it as a story of “economic resurgence in a city that remains in fiscal disarray, with $200 million budget and cash flow concerns that have it fending off a state takeover.

This article does bring up the fact that it would matter who you ask, when you ask if the ad was political. People view things differently.  Chrysler Chief Executive Sergio Marchionne said to WJR-AM Detroit, “ it was not intended to be any type of political overture on our part … you know, we’re just an ingredient of a big machine here in this country that makes us go on.”

The AP article focuses on Chrysler’s struggle that lead to the bail out and undoubtedly lead to this commercial. The commercial is about bouncing back, coming back while you’re behind, if you will.

The AP also suggests that Eastwood is a conservative who tends to be more liberal when it comes to social issues.
Eastwood said this about the commercial, “It was meant to be a message about just about job growth and the spirit of America. I think all politicians will agree with it. I thought the spirit was OK.”

To me, The Associated Press reveals a more balanced story. It lets you make your own judgment of the commercial and what it stands for. And I like that. On the other hand, FoxNews had a different way of viewing it…

Fox News’ Karl Rove ("Team Obama's Response To 'Halftime In America' Ad Should Make You Nervous") suggests, in an opinion piece, that the ad suggests that Obama “deserves” a second term. Rove reported that Obama and his administration went to social media, Twitter, to gain attention from the ad as support for “their man.”

“David Axlerod, Obama’s chief strategist, called the as a ‘powerful spot’ … White House Communications Director Dan Pfeiffer tweeted: “Saving America Auto Industry: Something Eminem and Clint Eastwood can agree on”

The response, according to Fox and Rove, is nerve racking to think about the link between bug government and the big businesses it bailed out. They said that the ad made it seem like the President was getting rewarded with corporate ads by a corporation that received billions in taxpayer dollars they’ll never pay back.

“Remember: President Obama bailed Chrysler and GM rather than making them go through bankruptcy like airlines and steel companies have. Then he used taxpayer dollars reward union allies while screwing the secured bondholders.

The administration now admits taxpayers will lose $14 billion in the auto bailout … that’s what happens when government gets in bed with big business. And it stinks.”

I know one article is definitely an opinion piece, but I believe both raise interesting topics regarding the ad discussed. I want to point out that, Fox usually leans towards a more conservative kind of reporting with its stories, and maybe that’s why this story is sided that way. Either way, the Fox News article was more bias than The Associated Press’ article. I don’t want to lean towards either of them as being correct or right.

I think that the commercial did what it was supposed to do, raise a few hairs, cross a few lines and stir up the heart of America. If Chyrsler says it wasn’t a direct political campaign, then maybe it wasn’t.

What would you decide?

Assignment 1: Favorite sites

The first assignment in Internet Production is to mention a few of my favorite websites and one that I don't particularly like. I use a few websites religiously. They are Facebook, Google, Youtube, Twitter, and Pandora. I also find my self using plenty of other sites as well, like JSU's Blackboard and email system. I don't usually make take the time to actually buy a newspaper, but I do view and read articles online. A couple of my favorite newspapers are the New York Times and USA Today.


I favor the New York Times for their easy navigation and user friendly way to find and search for particular articles. It is a classic newspaper and the website is designed pretty much the same way. Being that it is a classic, they are sure to have very newsworthy stories.


I like USA Today for much of the same reason; however, they tend to have a lot more color in their design. I like that certain articles grab your attention by the color content. Back in the 80's this was the first color newspaper and they have a lot of expectations to live up to these days. 


Like most people these days, I do have a Facebook. I check my Facebook regularly, and most of the time multiple times a day. I have had my account for about four years now. I like the user friendly design of the website. Everything you need to know about navigating through the site can be found there. Facebook is not only a social networking site, but it is a way to keep in touch with people pretty much all over the world. I share my thoughts, opinions and most of my pictures there. I keep up with friends on Facebook so much easier than I ever could with phone calls, text messages and emails. Its the new way to communicate and meet new people.


Another site I absolutely adore is Pandora. Pandora is a way to listen to your favorite music and artists (and its available in a FREE version). Pandora is also very user friendly. It provides an easy way to create your very own customized stations. It allows you to pick and choose which songs you like and don't like that they suggest. It is set up a lot like an iPod would be, by listing you stations as iPod would with play lists or albums.


Since I have to choose a site that I don't prefer, it would have to be TMZ. Their designs may be eye catching and up to par, but the value of the newsworthiness isn't. Making celebs icons and idols isn't news. I don't care that Marc Anthony got a new tattoo with his new lady friend or what famous people look like when they get rained on. I do find that the site is user friendly, but some of their stories lack definition in my opinion. 

First Quiz...DONE! Aced it
now..to learn this blogspot stuff......