William James Willis, author of The Media Effect: How the News Influences Politics and Government discusses this debate: Many individuals wonder who is really behind certain stories. However, an ongoing debate exists over media’s role in politics. Because of the ensuing two-part feature, the Secretary of the Army and the two-star general in charge of the medical facility lost their jobs. In 2007, for example, The Washington Post conducted a 4-month investigation of the substandard medical treatment of wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC. Thus, media support-or lack thereof-can have a significant influence on public opinion and governmental action. In addition to acting as a watchdog, media provide readers and viewers with news coverage of issues and events, and also offer public forums for debate.
When broadcast media emerged during the 20th century, radio briefs and television reports entered the conversation, bringing political stories to the public’s living rooms. As you have read in earlier chapters, even some of the earliest newspapers and magazines used their pages as a forum for political discourse. Media have long had a voice and a role in politics. Max Borge – The Washington Post – CC BY-NC 2.0. As demonstrated in this case, media coverage can directly influence people’s lives. Army launched an investigation and set about improving the facility. In response to the public outcry, the U.S.
In 2007, The Washington Post published a critical exposé on the Walter Reed Army Medical Center.