KPRC 2 exceeds in its efforts for informing the Houston community
How the agenda-setting theory is utilized in their newscasts
The agenda-setting theory is based on the idea that mass media sets the agenda for what people should care about in their lives. This theory applies to how the media selects topics for coverage that are of general interest.
In Houston, KPRC 2 Houston tends to give a vast amount of attention to issues that affect the community. Priming is a strategy that this new station frequently utilizes in the agenda-setting process. This approach has an influence on the public’s attention to the topic and how relevant it looks to the viewer. I’ll present to you some agenda-setting examples from KPRC 2.
Texas experienced freezing weather a few weeks ago, with power outages impacting Houston. KPRC reported concerns of families not having power and some resulting issues. A recent top story is about a family’s complaint against the electric companies, claiming that their child died due to the cold weather and lack of electricity. The media focused on how this death may have been avoided if electric companies were more prepared for the upcoming winter storm. KPRC’s agenda was to inform the city who may be at fault for losing power, resulting aftermath, and electric companies’ statements. They are currently keeping the audience informed of lawsuits and charges against local electric companies. Their clear agenda is to give close attention to the lack of preparedness from the electric companies.
COVID-19 cases are still high in Houston. According to a recent story, a supersite was recently developed to assist a large number of Houstonians in getting vaccinated. The vast amount of attention this news station gives would be of information on local COVID-19 cases and vaccine sites. The city still has high numbers in COVID-19 cases, but the news station attends to help bring down numbers by providing helpful information. The aim of KPRC’s agenda-setting is to raise awareness of COVID-19 vaccine availability and administering site status. My family has obtained full doses of the vaccine due to KPRC’s attention to vaccination sites. The station’s attention to COVID-19 information pertaining to the city cultivates community support.
Houston is a big city, and crime rates are still high. KPRC reports a lot on recent crime activity to alert locals. This attention causes Houstonians to be more conscious of their surroundings and crime hotspots. A KPRC story reported multiple car break-ins from a Houston apartment complex. This is an example of a crime story that often appears at the top of KPRC’s newscast. The news station involves great attention towards information on victims, suspects, and police actions in their crime stories. They do sometimes seek community assistance in identifying criminals based on police descriptions or crime video footage. I appreciate KPRC’s attention to their telecast because it informs the community about high-crime areas and how we can better protect ourselves.
