WHY AM I INTERESTED IN MEDIA AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS?

The media influences the way we think and act about certain items or policy issues.  The media shed light on everything from products and services to celebrities and politicians.  Without them, American society would be very different.  We would not be as motivated as we are to buy certain items or think a certain way about an issue.  One of the most important things a person can do regarding the media is research the claims and attempt to have a balanced perspective regarding social issues.  Social media has and will continue to change we view issues related to public policy.  The invention of smart phones and the internet allows EVERYONE to be a journalist, whether they are “trained” professional or not…

My name is Hello, my name is Markus Coleman. I am in my junior year of college and first year at ASU. My major is Urban and Metropolitan Studies. 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.   I am hoping this class will better explain the relationship between the media and the influence it has on politics, since as I mentioned above, the media INFLUENCES EVERYTHING, and as a public administrator it will be important to know how to navigate the media industry.  I am interested in public affairs because I want to make Phoenix a better place to live and believe the media will play a large role in this.  I look forward to learning about my fellow classmates! 

Cheers!