SLG - State and Local Government Mass Media Project

Part 1: Mass Media Observation Chart

Select a political issue connected to where you live. So, it must concern either the country, city, or state of Georgia. Research how that issue is being framed and reported on in multiple media outlets. Use this investigation to develop a framework for discerning false, misleading, or biased information, including determining criteria for what makes a source credible.

• The issue you select must relate to the current week’s Georgia news and in some way to the government. examples: elections, policy, etc.
• Create a chart for media literacy using your findings on how one issue is covered by various outlets to gain insight into savvy media use. Use the chart provided or create your own. Your responses should be added to the State and Local Government Mass Media Observation Project document. Links to an external site.

Spend at least three consecutive days diving into at least three sources of news. 

List the date and time of viewing with source. (This will act as your Works Cited information.)

List the Media Categories name you use from the list below. You must use both categories.

• Category 1: Cable news sources i.e. WSB-TV Channel 2 , FOX 5 Atlanta, 11Alive, or other
• Category 2: Newspaper sources that covers state news with good reputation i.e. Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Gwinnett Daily Post, Savannah Morning News, etc.

For each news source you select, pay attention to local or state news or politics for the issue you have selected. Critique each using the following questions and information. 

1. How in-depth are the stories? What types of stories are covered?
2. How much did you learn from each?
3. Discuss the difference in the tone and bias of the coverage.
4. How and in what ways did the source get you thinking? What are your own thoughts and impressions of this as a source?
5. How do these news sources impact our state discussion on issues and politics?
6. Based on your findings, write at least a 5 sentence summary of how this topic impacts your community. 

Part 2: Political Issue Flyer

Create a flyer that supports or protests the political issue that is impacting your state or local community. Include a picture or graphic on your flier.

You should submit the completed  the State and Local Government Mass Media Observation Chart and the Political Issue Flyer. Include your name on both items.

Scoring Guideline

Mass Media Observation Chart

• Issue, Categories, Sources, Dates & Times (10 pts.)
• 5 questions 4 pts. each for 3 news sources (60 pts.)
• Summary (10 pts.)

Political Issue Flier includes at least one image/graphic (20 pts.)

See the Scoring Rubric below for grading insight.