CHAPTER 7 - The role of the media and the democratic dialouge Flashcards
Who decides what is on the political agenda?
Politicians and their
parties like positive coverage in the media, and they like to decide which issues
should be at the top of the political agenda. Therefore, they are constantly fighting
to conquer the agenda and select the topics to be discussed in the media.
How are we affected by the harsh tone on Facebook?
It is mentioned that media that promote hateful messages and propaganda can be harmful to democracy. The media’s responsibility is to report reliably and accurately to prevent harassment and the spread of fake news, which can cause harmful divisions.
Why are the media necessary for democracy?
The media play a crucial role in democracy because they are a necessary element in forming public opinion and scrutinising those in power. They hold power accountable through investigation of political, economic, and social affairs, and they are critical to the functioning of democracy.
Are the media the fourth power?
It is often said that the media is the fourth power. The popular phrase that the media is the fourth power means that the media act as a watchdog and keep an eye on those holding the powers.
Alternative facts
Alternative facts refer to misleading or false information presented as facts to shape public opinion, often used by political figures to gain an advantage.
The Battle of political agenda
The Battle of political agenda occurs when competing organizations try to influence which political issues become important and debated, in order to shape public opinion to their advantage.
Democratic dialogue
Democratic dialogue is the process of conversation between people with opposing views, in order to understand different perspectives and find common ground for constructive debate.
Digital bubbles
Digital bubbles refer to the personalized content we encounter on social media platforms, that often reinforce our existing beliefs and values, rather than challenging them.
Echo chambers
Echo chambers are increasingly prevalent in the digital age, where people seek out, and tune into, sources of news and information that confirm their existing beliefs.
Fake news
Fake news refers to fabricated stories, often planted online, that mimic genuine news stories in order to generate clicks, views, and advertising dollars.
The five news criteria
The five news criteria refer to the professional standards of journalism: accuracy, objectivity, comprehensiveness, timeliness and relevance, that should be adhered to in reporting the news.
Framing
Framing refers to the way in which news and information is presented to shape public opinion, often by emphasizing certain aspects of events or individuals while minimizing others.
Hateful expressions
Hateful expressions refer to verbal or written communication, often used online, that is intended to demean, degrade, or incite violence against others based on race, religion, or ethnicity.
The Herding dog
The Herding dog is a metaphor for the way in which politicians or media elites manipulate the public according to their own agenda, by selecting certain news stories and omitting others.
The Horizon of action
The Horizon of action refers to the idea that the media constructs realities that limit our perceptions of possible action.
Horizon of understanding
Horizon of understanding refers to the range of opinions within society, which we can understand and accept.
The Hunting dog
The Hunting dog is a metaphor for the way in which the media plays an investigative role in order to expose crime or corruption.
Mass media
Mass media refers to the channels of communication that are used to reach large numbers of people at the same time, for example, television, radio, and print news.
Mediatisation
The Mediatisation of communication refers to the way in which politics becomes dominated by the logic and strategies of media executives.
Mediatised communication
Mediatised communication refers to the way in which political leaders use media strategies in order to appeal to public opinion and gain power.
Political agenda
Political agenda refers to policy goals and proposals for change that political parties or individuals promote in order to win public support and office.
Political communication
Political communication refers to the process of creating and disseminating information about politics, primarily through mass media.
Political spin
Political spin refers to the manipulation of facts or the slick presentation of information in order to create a positive reputation for political elites or policy-making.
Post-factual society
Post-factual society refers to a political climate where emotions and personal beliefs outweigh factual evidence in shaping public opinion.
