Final answer:
The media's portrayal of unions via framing techniques can influence public opinion, shaping perceptions of union activities as either protective of workers' rights or as detrimental to business interests.
Step-by-step explanation:
How the media portrays unions and union activity can have a significant impact on public opinion. The portrayal is often shaped by the use of framing, a technique where information is presented in a particular way to influence perception. For example, union activities could be framed positively as the defense of workers' rights or negatively as disruptive to businesses and the economy.
Weekly news magazines, by choosing certain images and stories to highlight, influence public opinion by shaping perceptions of events. Businessmen may view union activities as a threat to economic growth, whereas workers may see them as essential for fair wages and safe working conditions. The middle class could have varying views based on their personal experiences, media consumption, and socio-economic status.
Amid domestic controversies, such as social unrest or police behavior, the media's role extends to consulting officials, think tanks, and advocacy groups. The chosen narratives, images, and videos support certain stories, potentially affecting voting patterns on social policies and during elections. Scholars criticize the media for prioritizing profits over comprehensive coverage, thus not presenting diverse views on policy issues.
Finally, the media's depiction of people, institutions, and policies in politics and government has both positive and negative effects on daily lives. Public opinion about labor unions is shaped by these media depictions, which may highlight controversies or report on union membership and pay statistic.