By simply associating the media with the other three branches of government implies the power of it. The information relayed by the media to the people has played a major part in the democracy of the United States.
The advancing technologies in today's world help the media to portray their political views. Television provides the opportunity for political figures to address the public directly, instead of through written means only. In the early 1800's, few people actually subscribed to a newspaper. Those who did not could hear the latest news in local taverns, and often those who did subscribe would mail the newspaper to their friends after they read it. This way of circulating news was slow and ineffective. Newspaper distribution increased through the 1800's and mid-1900. Television proved to be a more convenient way to convey information, so eventually, television caused a decline in newspaper usage. Whether it is newspapers, radio shows, or television, the media will find a way to tell the public their stories. The technology that has come about over the years has made it easier for the media to convey information.
The technological aspect of the media has other effects too. When newspapers were the only source of information about politics, voting citizens could only read about politicians" ideas and views. The invention of television and radio allowed those people to see and hear the country's leaders. This has both positive and negative effects. For example, a candidate for president is speaking to the public over a television. He is young, relatively handsome, and charismatic. His opponent, who airs on television immediately following, is an older gentleman with a rough voice and gray hair. Obviously, the younger man is the "people pleaser.".
Franklin D. Roosevelt was the first president to handle the broadcast media well. Most newspapers did not support him, and television broadcasting did not exist, so he presented his views to the people over the radio with "fireside chats.
