1.  Monitor both local and nationally oriented news media on the Internet for five days. Which subjects, if any, are covered in both local and national reporting?  Which subjects are reported much more often at one level than at another? In general, how would characterize the difference between local and national media on the Internet?

2.  Visit Internet sites from organizations involved with academic research on the media and politics. What are some of the issues that researchers have focused on? Do those issues strike you as among the most important ones that researchers should be seeking to learn about? Can you suggest other issues that might be worthy of scholarly attention?

3.  Compare and contrast the Internet sites of the Media Research Center and FAIR (Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting).  Which group makes the most persuasive case?  Did either Internet site influence you to reconsider or change some of your own views on the subject or media bias?

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