Institutionalization SB 7

                Social institutions exist around us in an infinite number of ways.  Take for instance the media.  Cable news programs will teach viewers all about what is occurring in society.  They cover a number of topics in which they hope that the viewer’s find them interesting.  Some of the formal rules that these media news outlook follow are federal laws and the companies own policies.  Federal laws such as censoring disturbing language and disturbing pictures are put in place to protect the viewer’s mindsets.  The company may also enact their own policies (formal rules) as to how the TV anchors are to dress, what to report, and what stance to take when reporting a topic. 

                Informal norms are also highly considered when the news programs are planning on what to report.  These include the social norms of reporting.  You don’t want to be reporting things that the viewer’s will disagree with so much that they stop tuning into your news program.  Some informal norms include reporting the obvious—like political campaigns.  Everybody needs to feel like they know something about a political candidate before they go and vote so you better make sure you include an interview or two on your program. 

                The enforcement of the norms and rules can get costly for the news companies.  For instance the major consequence of the loss of viewers can create havoc on TV ratings.  Without those precious viewers, the news companies wouldn't last long on the air.  Another enforcement technique the government uses are fines.  If companies are showing inappropriate footage, they could be slapped with a fine and a bad rap from Uncle Sam.  Enforcement is a way in which to control institutions such as news companies.  Whether or not the institutions follow the rules, they will see consequences.  They may see positives such endorsements from celebrities or negatives such as a decrease in popularity.

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This image demonstrates the globalization of the news media outlets and that the whole world is impacted by what’s reported.  A majority of people receive their news from these outlets and the whole world is affected by their responses to the news.  Due to the rules and informal norms that are enacted on the media, news stories are carefully picked to receive a positive response from the community.  The institution of the news media outlets affect everyone worldwide.