Journalists and Academics

As we discussed in class, when it comes to journalism and political science, there is a great divide. Journalists often make mention of political phenomenon and theories concerning elections, but without citing any political scientists or valid political sources. Political scientists often drone on and on about theories and phenomenon, using complicated jargon and coded charts that are beyond the scope of common public understanding. As discussed in this article, journalists and  academics have a gap to fill in the education of the public of political events and happenings. The reality is-- political scientists and journalists need to work together to educate the public with information that is essential to their effective decision-making. This information does not need to be riddled with confusing charts and graphs or language that only graduate students and political junkies can decipher. They are not a microcosm of the electorate. So long as that remains true, academics need a lesson on how to correctly cite political information and not translate political information to just accommodate their hunger for a juicy story. Political scientists need a lesson on how to simplify complex political phenomenon for the average citizen to understand and apply. They should be encouraged to take to the blogosphere and employ their social science of praxis to engage citizens into political dialogue.

http://themonkeycage.org/blog/2012/04/16/16859/

Academic Hope for TV News Station

http://themonkeycage.org/blog/2012/02/13/melissa-harris-perrys-new-tv-show/

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/13/business/media/host-of-msnbcs-melissa-harris-perry-is-a-professor.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all

Much of the "concerned" American public has strayed away from televised news due to its disappointing nature and lack of actual important academic content. Much of us are bored and simply do not care for the infotainment about Whitney Houston, award shows, or the murderer that may or may not be in my neighborhood (who can blame some news stations though, as "infotainment" is their business model).

MSNBC will become the first major news program to feature a talk show by a real tenured professor. The news station has a new program with Melissa Harry-Perry, a professor of political science.

MSNBC's newest academic addition scratches at the surface of the media's role as the protectors and promoters of the public interest and education. Perhaps this new model will become a trend for other televised new programs to follow? In hopes that it certainly does cause a new trend, the American public may prove to be more than just a mindless consumer market place. Academic scholars in well established news programs will provide an opportunity for a change in mass media towards its original goals of professionalism and objectivity.

Maybe, there is hope that televised news programs will provide "intellectual stimulation" for the general American Masses.