Three Roles Release

Mass media sociologist Wilbur Schramm (1973) calls the press became an observer (watcher), forums, and teacher (teacher) for the community. First, in their role as observers, almost no issues / events that escaped from the press shots. Not just observe, the press also provide interpretation and prediction of an event / news topics. The public became more aware of the environment. Have enough information to act and to prepare for anything that may happen.

Secondly, the press plays a role as a forum. Meeting place of all the issues and interests. Press like a stage which stages all issues of interest and the public interest. With the selection function (gatekeeper), news gathering, selecting, and presenting issues / events to the public. Finally, the press is a teacher. Through news, the public learned the value of democracy, equality, human rights, protection of minorities, and a number of other positive spirit.

The third function is ideal. But does not mean it will always be ideal. Remain open to the possibility of distortion. With a tendency to preach what is going on, the press sometimes tempted to move from one issue to another issue. As a result, some of the things which should be guarded so thoroughly neglected.

McQuail (1994) conducted a series of studies on the content of the media indicate that the press tends to bring the upper or middle class perspective alone. Social class is meant here both in the context of employment, income, status, also influences. Releases are also more likely to choose the source of the experts and the official leader. Instead of the average person. Consequently, the press presented the forum potential bias of pespektif social class, including gender.