Media Analysis #1

Media Analysis Project 1 – Author Intent and Audience

 Purpose: To analyze and critically evaluate three media sources for author intent and audience.

 Task: Write an essay (800-1000 words) in which you critically evaluate at least 3 media sources related to your topic/issue.

 Requirements:

1. Choose a topic that you think you may want to use for your final project.

2. Find 3 media sources that all relate to your topic.

3. Sources should be published within 6 months of each other.

4. Classify the media (opinion, news, academic journal, etc.).

5. Analysis answers the following questions:

   1. Who/what are the main sources of evidence within the article? How are they being quoted? Are they mainly advocates, policy makers, academic experts, etc.?

   2. Who is the author? What is their level of expertise or their stake in publishing this article?

   3. What topics are being covered and what topics are being ignored? Why would the author make those choices?

   4. Is this issue being covered by another media outlet around the same time? Is it being reported on the same way? What would account for the differences or similarities in what is reported?

   5. What type of media genre is this (internet, social media, radio, network news, cable news, print media, etc)?

   6. Who is the intended audience for the media source?

   7. What are their possible reasons for framing this source in the manner they did?

   8. Evaluate the author’s intent and perspective within the article and analyze the author’s goal for presenting the information in this format using the lens of intent and perspective.

Presentation Format:

1. 800-1000 words

2. APA Format

3. 12 point

4. Times New Roman

5. Double-Spaced

6. References page in APA format