Understanding America: Partisan Media

Discussions on Democracy

Partisan Media: The American news media is changing in revolutionary ways and at unprecedented speed. One of the most significant and consequential changes is the rise to prominence of partisan media outlets, which utilize an economic model focused on increasing fear and outrage. This presentation includes a brief history of the American news media, the profit incentives of partisan news outlets, and their effects on public opinion, electoral results, and governmental effectiveness. 

Understanding America is a program series dedicated to educating the public and encouraging discussions on American politics and government. These programs will be on the first Sunday of every month at 2:00 p.m. at the Sharon Forks Library. Each program will consist of 45 minutes of presentation by a University of North Georgia professor following 45 minutes of a roundtable discussion on the topic of the month.

This program is intended for adults and high school students.

This month's topic is Partisan Media presented by Dr. Glen Smith. Dr. Smith is a professor of political science at the University of North Georgia, where he teaches courses in American politics, research methods, news media, political psychology, and American political discourse. Glen has published two books that teach readers how to discuss political issues in a civil, informed, and productive manner. He has also published numerous journal articles examining the effects of partisan media on political hostility. 

Upcoming Topics for Understanding America:

September 1: Federalism and Its Impacts on the System

October 6: The Electoral College

November 3: Trends and Predictions Leading into Election Day

This program is in partnership with the University of North Georgia's Department of Political Science and International Affairs.

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