Chapter 6 Flashcards
Mass media
Mass communication, divided into print media and broadcast media
Attentive policy elites
People who follow news in specific policy areas and are highly politically engaged
Two step flow of communication
The process in which a few policy elites gather information and then I from their more numerous followers, mobilizing them to apply pressure to the government
News worthiness
The degree to which a news story is important enough to be covered in mass media
Infotainment
A mix of information and diversion oriented to personalities of celebrities not linked to days events. Soft news
Federal communication commission
An independent federal agency that regulates interstate and international communication by radio, television, telephone, telegraph
Net neutrality
The view that information online is essential for modern democratic life and should not be restricted by internet service providers
Gatekeeper
Media executives, news editors, and prominent reporters who direct the flow of news
Horse race journalism
Election coverage by the mass media that focuses on which candidate is ahead rather than national news
Media events
A situation that is news worthy that the mass media is compelled to talk about it
Television hypothesis
The belief that television is to blame for the low level citizens knowledge about public affairs
Soft news
General entertainment programming that often includes discussion of political affairs
Political agenda
A list of issues that need government attention
Going public
A strategy whereby a president seeks to influence policy elites and media coverage by appealing directly to the American people
Watchdog journalism
Journalism that scrutinizes public and business institutions and publicized perceived misconduct
