Functions of the Media

1. Tom DeLay Trial Begins in Texas
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/11/01/politics/main7011847.shtml?tag=mncol;lst;1

This article illustrates the function of "watchdog" because it displays the scandal of Tom DeLay illegally financing in the Texas legislative races in 2002. The "watchdog" function is seen through catching politicians in the act of doing something wrong. This could include breaking the law or even minor things that show a politicians faults or wrongdoings. In this case Tom DeLay had u"allegedly" used corporate funds to finance his campaigns years ago.

2. New Oil Leaks Keep Qantas Airbus Jets Grounded
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/09/world/asia/09qantas.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=new%20oil%20leaks%20keep%20qantas%20airbus%20jets%20grounded&st=cse

This article illustrates the function of "gatekeeper" as it displays information that the public would have not previously had known if they hadn't read the news. This article informs us about a fleet of airplanes grounded for at least 72 hours due to oil leaks, which supposedly caused a mid-air explosion and had to make an emergency landing in Australia. The "gatekeeper" function is found in this article because this type of information, because it being a international issue rather than a national one, will be less known and heard about unless read or seen in the news.

3. Fresh Off Victories, Republicans Share Their Plans
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/08/us/politics/08repubs.html?scp=1&sq=fresh%20off%20victories%20&st=cse

This article displays the function of the "scorekeeper", as it shows the success of the Republicans in the House through the 2010 elections. This left the seats in the House at 239 Republicans to 187 Democrats. Illustrated through the scorekeeper function, we see the constant battle between the Republicans and Democrats in the news, and through this article, we see this competition clearly. You could also look at the 239 to 187 as a score, and Republicans are winning by a land-slide.