In determining the current role of television in the events of January 6th and the reasons for its influence on what happened, it is initially necessary to globalize the understanding. The very notion of television is associated with a number of prejudices that have driven viewers to the way of thinking that politicians need (Folkenflik, 2022). Since the invention of the technology itself, its importance has been overstated, and those with power have witnessed how easy it is to manipulate opinion with it. Moreover, when one considers the impression made on people with the spread of such technology, it is not hard to understand the credibility of everything broadcast over such a device.
Most voters most likely did not realize or underestimate the role of television in the events that took place or simply did not pay attention. Unfortunately, this technology is so tightly woven into the norm of life that it is often just background information. Nevertheless, any constantly broadcast information is perceived and analyzed by the human brain, even unconsciously (Lotz, 2018). It is why the unbiased nature of news programs and television announcers is so essential. Depending on the signal and the time of transmission is the leading technology limitation, due to which its popularity and the danger of the technology itself decreases.
Critical thinking and analysis of what is said in television programs are necessary for digital literacy. Despite the fact that this concept is more related to the digital space, it is difficult to deny that television is actively moving to the Internet due to the drop in ratings and profitability of its existence (Jenner, 2018). Thanks to streaming services like Netflix, which reinvented television, people are spending less and less time watching the news and opinion programs, where they can be influenced and imposed by someone else’s opinion.
However, with all of the above, the role of television in shaping public opinion should not be underestimated. The tragedy of January 6th is a perfect example – it was television that actively broadcast the speech of the 45th president and encouraged his fans to attack the Capitol (Folkenflik, 2022). It is one of the reasons why the community needs to become more digitally and information literate in order to analyze and critically evaluate the data.
References
Folkenflik, D. (2022). Analysis: Trump’s infamous obsession with TV helped define Jan. 6 too. NPR. Web.
Jenner, M. (2018). Netflix and the re-invention of television. Springer.
Lotz, A. D. (2018). Evolution or revolution? Television in transformation.Critical Studies in Television, 13(4), 491-494. Web.