The mass media possesses a great deal of influence in society and
             politics in the United States. Newspapers, radio, magazines and television
             are able to use their own judgment when reporting current events. The
             power of the mass media is an asset to the government in some instances and
             a stumbling block in others. Recent technology and regulations given to
             the mass media have improved the means by which the public can get
             information. The final say in what goes into a story, however, belongs to
             the reporter alone. His opinions and biases are often a main part of the
             The mass media is the means by which the citizens of the United States
             are informed of current events in politics. This gives the media huge
             amounts of power and control. Supreme Court Justice Lewis F. Powell stated
             in 1974, "An informed public depends upon accurate and effective reporting
             by the news media. No individual can obtain for himself the information
             needed for the intelligent discharge of his political responsibilities."
             Powell is saying that it is the media's responsibility to inform the
             citizens of the news, because people cannot get this information by
             themselves, and in order for the people to fulfill their responsibilities
             as citizens, such as voting, they need to be informed. Lewis Powell goes
             "For most citizens, the prospect of personal familiarity with
             newsworthy events is hopelessly unrealistic. In seeking out the
             news, the press therefore acts as an agent of the public at large.
             It is the means by which people receive that free flow of
             information and ideas essential to intelligent self government."
             No citizen is able to obtain all of the "newsworthy" information they
             need alone. The press provides the people with the information necessary
             According to our textbook, United States Government Democracy in
             Action, the mass media has be...