Mass Media & Politics (How do they affect us?)

This summer the majority of news broadcasting programs have been covering President Obama's/Congressional Health Care reform. Even though there is not a specific bill for this reform yet the town hall meeting meant to inform the public of their potential options have at times turn violent. While most citizens attend to address the concerns about how to reform our current system, others have used these forums to highlight other social concerns. While we may surf through numerous channels trying to decipher the truth, we are left to wonder is the Media is making a negative contribution to the American people by repetitively playing only negative and discouraging soundbites. Is this because by doing so they can create sensationalism and panic or are they really reporting the truth? Trust in our government has been wavering since 2001 and the media's role in reinforcing or destroying the relationship we have with our government officials is evident. The First Amendment is in place so that we may speak our minds and our hearts for the "common good of the people"; however, how do we make sure that these news forums are objective in nature? Who's good are we serving when we choose to accept what we are shown on television or listen to on the radio as fact and not plot in someones hidden agenda?

I have attached a link on this topic written by Maxwell McCombs. He poses some great perspectives on mass media and how is shapes public opinion.