Agenda Setting Theory

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Name : Anella Monique Balchan Student I.D: 813001373 Lecturer : Annalee Ali Date submitted: 9th of July , 2015. Course: Communication Theory Agenda Setting Theory, developed by Dr. Max McCombs and Dr. Donald Shaw, labels a very controlling influence that the media has on society and its ability to tell us what issues are important. It is also a psychological transformation whereby the media continuously covers an issue , thus viewers think it is a top-priority issue. Crime watch , produced by Caribbean Communications Network , is one of the most popular television shows in Trinidad and Tobago , because its purpose is shed light and assist law enforcement in the arrests of fugitives wanted for various crimes such as murder, rape, kidnapping, child molestation, organized crime, armed robbery and gang violence . Ian Alleyne , the presenter has caught the attention of a significant block of the viewing public with a combination of a witty personality , thirst for serving justice and his very diverse topics . He undertook matters of injustice which courts and the official law enforcement could not solve. The television show “Crime Watch” airs various episodes which encompasses different content which surrounds the Agenda Setting Theory and sets the public agenda of Trinidad and Tobago . Firstly , according to Eugene. F Shaw , “The media are persuasive in focusing public attention on specific events, issues, and persons and in determining the importance people attach to public matters.” Therefore “Crime Watch” has set the agenda for the public, reminding viewers that his research requires interpretation, perseverance and patience. Ian Alleyne and the producers of the show “ Crime Watch” “control the ability to affect cognitive change
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