Discussion…………..

Select four people currently well known in the USA media and discuss their exertion of one of the sources of power. Students must cover all four of the sources of power discussed on (Position based power,Relationship-based Power,Reward Power,Educational Power). Apply only one source of power to each of the four people selected.

Note:-

Read and respond to at least two (2) of your classmates’ posts. In your response to your classmates, consider comparing your articles to those of your classmates. Below are additional suggestions on how to respond to your classmates’ discussions:

· Ask a probing question, substantiated with additional background information, evidence or research.

· Share an insight from having read your colleagues’ postings, synthesizing the information to provide new perspectives.

· Offer and support an alternative perspective using readings from the classroom or from your own research.

· Validate an idea with your own experience and additional research.

· Make a suggestion based on additional evidence drawn from readings or after synthesizing multiple postings.

· Expand on your colleagues’ postings by providing additional insights or contrasting perspectives based on readings and evidence.

Replie to first topic:-

1. Brian Williams.

Brian Williams is a news anchor and a famous news editor in the US. He is also the managing editor of a show called NBC Nightly News. William enjoys the exert power. He influences the media from the fact that he is believed to be right media personnel with significant experience. He became famous after doing a good report on the Asian tsunami along with other disasters he covered in 2004. He did a tremendous job, and since then he has grown exponentially till date.

2. Harry Reasoner

Harry is one of the oldest journalists in American history. He influences the world through the reward source of power. He retired in the year 1991, after having undertaken the media service for many years and won the highest number of rewards then. He was a media personality which people looked upon for motivation. He covered resident John's assassination, a report which only required an experienced journalist.

3. Dan Rather

Dan is another media personality which influences use legitimate power who exerts his power through media. He has been in the industry for over four years and has risen to the top gradually. Due to the position he holds in the media, he can command many people and even influence them. He is currently one of the famous and experienced managing editors.

4. Douglas Edwards

Douglas is a broadcast journalist who enjoys Referent power. He is respected and liked by most people, both viewers, and colleagues. He had the highest number of fans when he was on the radio back in 1942 before he moved the wave to television. He influences the opinions of many because of his kindness and the excellent relationship he has with people.

Media has power which can influence the direction of society easily (Shapo, 2015). Media is controlled by a few individuals who gain the advantage from the specific power sources, as illustrated above. The media has so much power which should not be underestimated (Curran, 2012). There is a strong positive correlation between media and strength in society. The same press has the potential to control politics and even turn political tables into the direction favorable to the great media personnel.

Reply to 2nd topic:-

Sources of power as elaborated in our reference book are

a) Position based power

b) Contextual power

b) Relationship based power

c) Informational power

Position based power : Decision making and resources power that is bestowed on to a person based on the position he/she occupies. That is the power that comes with a title, responsibilities etc. Any constitutional authority could be a good example. Former FBI Director James Comey used the power bestowed onto him and his institution by the constitution launched independent investigation into Clinton emails and Russian involvement in US elections.

Relationship based power : Decision making power that is bestowed on a person based on the relationship/access. It could be professional, family, personal, being part of an organization. Nepotism is a common example. Ivanka Trump holds an office in US Federal Government as advisor to the president. It can be reasonably attributed to the fact that her father is POTUS.

Informational power : This a type of power that a person wields thanks to his prowess and knowledge in a specific domain or subject area. Or power that lets an individual/institution distribute/modulate the information. An institutional example could be any new media channel. USEPA head Scott Pruitt holds his position, because of his perceived subject matter knowledge on Environmental protection and resource regulation.

Contextual power : Power that is sourced out of BATNAs, culture, market trends etc. Tech Industry visionaries like Steve jobs, Larry Page hold the ability to predict consumer and technology trends and lead their companies to deliver cutting edge products.