Identify a communication theory and define the theory in plain language
.
It is not the purpose of Agenda Setting Theory to instruct individuals in the specific manner in which they should think; rather, it is to counsel individuals regarding the topics on which they may like to reflect. Instead of disclosing the truth, the media filters and shapes with AST. The more attention the media devotes to these issues, the more attention the public pays to them. Stories are delivered in an order that is the most attractive for the audience, and not in chronological order or the number of individuals affected.
Describe an example of a real-world messaging strategy and explain how it informs the
theory you chose.
The concept of the agenda may be clearly seen in action by just paying attention to the news. The
coverage of current events in the media has a strong propensity to focus the attention of viewers. There are so many events, and so many social media sites, but the focus of most media reporting is on celebrity gossip. Everything from international politics to natural disasters to the Kardashian family, celebrity wetting, celebrity divorces, and animal footage. When a topic is covered for an extended period of time, it very immediately acquires the status of "significant." The press is responsible for determining what audiences consider to be "important." The infamous Grumpy Cat and the Kardashians have both recently passed away, as I'm sure we've all heard.
References
Weiss, D. (n.d.). Agenda Setting Theory. http://sk.sagepub.com.ezproxy.snhu.edu/reference/communicationtheory/n12.xml
