Public Opinion and Media Coverage of Labor Unions Article

Public Opinion and Media Coverage of Labor Unions - Article Example Print media, therefore, have the ability to shape new opinion and to influence and stabilize existing public opinions because of their reach to masses. Therefore, it should be mentioned that if media would portray the positive image of labor unions (an interest group) then the public would have positive perceptions, sympathetic attitudes, opinion, and moral support. In contrast, if media would indulge in the negative portrayal of unionism in the corporate sector (either unintentional or intentional) then the probability of negative public opinion when ould increase (excluding union members as they are least affected). Nevertheless, Schmidt’s actual argument is about the involvement ent of media in faulty coverage of labor unions, which then result in the creation of negative attitudes and opinions about unionism among masses. For instance, the independents and non-members followed by Republicans are ones who actually form negative opinions about unions, which is largely based on information provided incredible news the papers such as Times and others etc. The claim was valid as it had been statistically proved in the light of results that indicated the positive relationship between negative media coverage and unsympathetic public opinions. After analyzing the findings of Schmidt (1993), Meister (n.d), Puette (1992) and Chermak (1995), I would like to highlight that print media mostly focus on coverage of union corruption and violent strikes in a dramatic manner so that the news becomes spicy and entices more readers. In addition, it has been a proven fact (the reference to research by menti oned authors) that the journalists (during 1970 – 1995) have remained nonchalant to peaceful and uneventful dispute resolution. Indeed, a rational analyzer should condemn the past attitude of journalists because it led to a portrayal of the ly negative side (and biased) of labor unionism in a highly exaggerated manner. Hence, the public also viewed unions as more â€Å"socially unresponsive, elitist, nondemocratic and ridden by crime†. Meister (n.d) have called that news is presented, just to attract masses, then away as if there has been an inevitable tussle and war between unions and employers / firm owners. In fact, I would argue that it resembles yellow journalism because of exaggeration and dramatics involved.