A Perspective With The "Agenda-setting" Theory

Since the foundation of New China in 1949, party newspapers' reports on important affairs always have profound effect in policy, economy and culture. Influenced by left wingers, the party newspapers had the experience of falling into disrepute. Nowadays, party newspapers' impact is not as significant as ever before. In order to enhance the effect of public opinion direction, this thesis introduces The "Agenda-setting" theory, which is the mature formation of the trinity of government, mass media and the public. Then, this thesis investigates the mechanism of report formation and the evolution of Chinese party organ.First of all, this thesis makes the bedding for the introduction of the "agenda-setting" theory. This thesis advances its point not only according to the relativity of the "agenda-setting" theory and policy process, but also according to the relativity of the "agenda-setting" theory and the public opinion direction.In the second chapter, this thesis looks back to some important historic affaires with the "agenda-setting" theory, then investigates the mechanism of report formation in different periods. And then reach a conclusion: party newspapers must always proceed from the reality; keep in close contact with the people.Finally, this thesis put forward the suggestion on public opinion direction. That is, party organs should give up subjectivism, be in close touch with reality, life and the people. Party organs should follow the principle of the "agenda-setting" theory, and establish good relationship with the public and government. Thereby, the power of public media can be displayed. And party newspapers can give full scope to directive propaganda, and will really flourish as the mainstream media.