Introduction

Hello, my name is Markus Coleman. I am in my junior year of college and first year at ASU. I have worked for the City of Phoenix for a total of 15 years with a majority of this time in the Development Services Department. I have mostly worked in the civil field of development by writing stipulations, reviewing, approving and issuing permits for construction. I currently work for the Public Transit Department and have the duty of managing the intergovernmental contracts between the City of Phoenix and transit service to other cities/agencies. In my spare time I enjoy working on my 1964 Impala and going to the movies.

 

Media substantially influences our decisions in life. A great example of media empowering people is evident through the Revolution in Egypt. Media has a negative stereotype, but the example of Egypt exemplifies the media and its role and how it led to great change within the country. I find it energizing that change was/is created in this manner. I think it is important to obtain news information from a variety of sources and on both ends of the political spectrum to ensure informed decisions and eliminate the effects of media influence. We must remember most American’s obtain their media from sources wishing to increase viewership and profit; therefore they must sensationalize their stories and make them interesting for their viewers. I believe if we keep this though in the back of our minds and accept this for what it is, we can still make intelligent decisions.