COMM-100 FA4 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Understanding Media, Semiotics, Oligopoly

• School: American University
• Department: COMM - COMMUNICATION
• Course: COMM-100 FA4
• Professor: Menchen- Trevino

Document Summary

The process of interacting with media content and analyzing it critically by considering its particular presentation, its underlying political or social messages, and ownership and regulation issues that may affect what is presented in what form. Mediated communication - the signs, symbols, and words we receive - can affect us in ways. Define the role of semiotics and framing in influencing our understanding of the world and media content. Semiotics: the study of signs and symbols. Framing: the notion that the way messages are communicated can influence our attitudes and actions. Framing takes on great importance in today"s world because the media of mass communication are so pervasive. Explain how commercial forces influence media organizations and sometimes media content. Influence happens at the local, national, and international levels. Local level: reducing the amount of news reporters to save money can result in a drop in local coverage. How corporate media giants harm democracy and political process.