| This research study examines the press coverage of the Master Plan for Higher Education by the Los Angeles Times, the Sacramento Bee, and the San Francisco Chronicle from July 1, 1959 through June 30, 1960. This paper concentrates on the role of the press in California during the establishment of the Plan. This study also includes any factors effecting the state that may have influenced the decision in the early 1960s.;Three research methods are used in this study: content analysis, historical analysis, and statistical analysis. The study found that despite the low level of public discussion about the issue during the establishment of the Plan, it was covered more heavily than any other higher education issue during the period studied. Agenda setting theory is used in this study to reinforce the power of the press and the relationship between what the press writes about and what the public cares about. |
