what-does-the-media-that-remains-silent-tell-us Media Effects Theory

Media Effects Theory

What Does the Media That Remains Silent Tell Us?

About this topic

Media that remains silent refers to media that intentionally does not report on specific incidents or topics, or treats them lightly. This question reexamines what it means when something is not reported — how power structures, values, and societal priorities are reflected. In media effects theory, it examines the influence that the absence of information has on public opinion formation and individual perception.

Conceptual positions
01 Critical Media Theory (Silence Perspective)

Media that remains silent is a structural choice to protect the interests of dominant power or capital. Not reporting means 'it does not exist' and conceals social injustices.

02 Pluralistic Information Environment Theory

The silence of mainstream media is supplemented by alternative media, SNS, and individual expression. The meaning of silence changes with context; complete silence does not exist.

03 Cognitive Dissonance and Silence

Readers tend to recognize the existence of silent media but ignore it in daily information consumption. Reexamining the meaning of silence attempts to resolve one's own cognitive dissonance.

Talk entry points

  1. Have you ever noticed an incident or topic that the media you usually watch does not report on?

  2. Have you ever felt that 'what is not reported' becomes 'what did not happen'?

  3. Have you ever thought about why an incident that some media remain silent about is not reported?

  4. How do you think your interests or values are shaped by the silence of the media you usually consume?

  5. What did you feel when you became aware of the existence of media that remains silent?

  6. Have you ever had the experience of seeing the reality beyond silence by seeking different information sources?

Conceptual tensions
Silence vsFreedom of Expression
Is media silence an exercise of freedom of expression (the freedom not to report) or suppression by power? Where is the boundary?
Forgetting vsMemory
By not being reported, incidents and events disappear from societal memory. Silence promotes collective forgetting.
Mainstream vsPeriphery
The silence of mainstream media invisibilizes peripheral voices and minority experiences. What is hidden beyond the silence?
Intentional Silence vsUnconscious Silence
Is media silence intentional manipulation or due to unconscious bias of reporters and editors? Is it possible to distinguish between the two?
Talk note

This theme is not a place to criticize specific media but to gain a broader perspective by turning our eyes to the 'gaps' in information. Aiming for quiet exploratory dialogue that searches together for the reality beyond silence.

Glossary
Agenda Setting
The function by which media determines the public's interest and importance by deciding what to report (or not report). Silence sends the message that it is 'not important.'
Power of Silence
The influence media has by not reporting, erasing existence or downplaying issues. By treating something as non-existent, it shapes reality.
Information Control
The act by those in power or media owners to conceal, delete, or downplay inconvenient information. Media that remains silent is one form of this.
Visualization and Invisibilization
Media's choice of what to make 'visible' and what to make 'invisible.' Silence is a powerful means of invisibilization.
Alternative Media
Small-scale media or individual outlets that actively report on topics mainstream media remains silent about. They fill the gaps left by silence.
Talk prompts
Ice breaker

Recently, while watching the news, have you ever thought 'Why isn't this topic being reported?' Please tell me about that topic.

Deep dive

If all media reported the same things and there was no silence at all, how do you think the world would change?

Bridge

When the other person is talking about the news, quietly add: 'There are also media that do not report on that topic.' Let's observe their reaction.

Further questions
  • The 'untold history' hidden beyond media that remains silent
  • The role of SNS in filling the silence of mainstream media and its limitations
  • What happens to the voices of victims or parties involved in unreported incidents?
  • The power structure revealed by questioning the reasons for silence
  • Differences in silence regarding the same incident across different countries or cultural spheres
  • Is there a way to 'read' media that remains silent?