Final answer:
Propaganda today manifests through political ads and media biases, influencing public perception and actions, with a stronger impact in dictatorships due to controlled information. Mass media's bias often leans towards profit, which affects its role in shaping political discourse and the impact of coverage on public policy and elections.
Step-by-step explanation:
Examples of propaganda in society today can be found in various forms such as political ads, news media biases, and social media campaigns. These often push a specific narrative or agenda and can influence the attitudes and actions of the public by shaping their perceptions of events, policies, and figures. In democracies with a free press and open marketplace of ideas, the impact of propaganda is somewhat mitigated by the availability of diverse viewpoints and sources of information. However, in a dictatorship with limited information sources, propaganda can have a more pronounced impact as the government often controls the narrative with little room for dissent or alternative perspectives.
In a democracy, the prime motivating factor of mass media companies often includes profit, which can result in biases that influence the dissemination of information. Traditional media sources have been significantly impacted by 'new media,' including declines in traditional journalism and the rise of digital news platforms. The role of Hollywood and music, as seen with bands like Green Day, can shape political messages and influence public opinion, often reflecting societal values or criticisms. Access to media, especially television and radio, has been crucial for candidates running for elected office due to their broad reach and influence.
The media's role in society and government is inherently powerful. It provides information that shapes public awareness and can influence governmental action by highlighting social needs or rallying for change. However, the media's coverage quality is critical as it may affect perceptions and biases in policy discussions and elections.
In terms of government transparency, while the media serves as a watchdog over government activity, there are debates about the extent to which government operations should be open to media coverage, especially in matters of national security or sensitive information.