CHAPTER 7 - The role of the media and the democratic dialouge

Question 1

Who decides what is on the political agenda?

Answer 1

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.

Question 2

How are we affected by the harsh tone on Facebook?

Answer 2

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.

Question 3

Why are the media necessary for democracy?

Answer 3

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.

Question 4

Are the media the fourth power?

Answer 4

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.

Question 5

Alternative facts

Answer 5

Alternative facts refer to misleading or false information presented as facts to shape public opinion, often used by political figures to gain an advantage.

Question 6

The Battle of political agenda

Answer 6

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.

Question 7

Democratic dialogue

Answer 7

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.

Question 8

Digital bubbles

Answer 8

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.

Question 9

Echo chambers

Answer 9

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.

Question 10

Fake news

Answer 10

Fake news refers to fabricated stories, often planted online, that mimic genuine news stories in order to generate clicks, views, and advertising dollars.

Question 11

The five news criteria

Answer 11

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.

Question 12

Framing

Answer 12

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.

Question 13

Hateful expressions

Answer 13

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.

Question 14

The Herding dog

Answer 14

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.

Question 15

The Horizon of action

Answer 15

The Horizon of action refers to the idea that the media constructs realities that limit our perceptions of possible action.

Question 16

Horizon of understanding

Answer 16

Horizon of understanding refers to the range of opinions within society, which we can understand and accept.

Question 17

The Hunting dog

Answer 17

The Hunting dog is a metaphor for the way in which the media plays an investigative role in order to expose crime or corruption.

Question 18

Mass media

Answer 18

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.

Question 19

Mediatisation

Answer 19

The Mediatisation of communication refers to the way in which politics becomes dominated by the logic and strategies of media executives.

Question 20

Mediatised communication

Answer 20

Mediatised communication refers to the way in which political leaders use media strategies in order to appeal to public opinion and gain power.

Question 21

Political agenda

Answer 21

Political agenda refers to policy goals and proposals for change that political parties or individuals promote in order to win public support and office.

Question 22

Political communication

Answer 22

Political communication refers to the process of creating and disseminating information about politics, primarily through mass media.

Question 23

Political spin

Answer 23

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.

Question 24

Post-factual society

Answer 24

Post-factual society refers to a political climate where emotions and personal beliefs outweigh factual evidence in shaping public opinion.

Question 25

Priming

Answer 25

Priming refers to the way in which media content shapes the way we think about issues or events by priming certain beliefs or attitudes.

Question 26

The Rescue dog

Answer 26

The Rescue dog refers to the watchdog role that media plays in uncovering corruption or exposing wrongdoing.

Question 27

A Shitstorm

Answer 27

A Shitstorm refers to a situation, often online, where a person or organization receives an overwhelming amount of negative comments or reviews.

Question 28

Social media

Answer 28

Social media refers to the digital platforms where people can create or share content with each other, interact with friends and family, or form communities of like-minded individuals.

Question 29

Spinocracy

Answer 29

Spinocracy refers to a political system where politicians and political parties manipulate public opinion through media spin to maintain their hold on power.

Question 30

Traditional mass media

Answer 30

Traditional mass media refers to the forms of communication, such as television, radio, and newspapers, that have been established for many years and reach wide audiences.

Question 31

Watchdog

Answer 31

Watchdog refers to the role of the media in monitoring and reporting on the activities of those in power, in order to hold them accountable and protect the public interest.