Chapter Nine: Mass Media

Question 1

Fourth branch of government

Answer 1

Mass media is sometimes referred to as the fourth branch of government

Question 2

Agenda setting

Answer 2

the power of the media to draw attention to a particular issue - they may not be able to tell you what to think, but they can tell you what to think about

Question 3

Creation of political forums

Answer 3

Politicians “make news” to gain publicity, and the media keeps viewer ratings high - e.g. John Kerry posing in a photo op with a respected former President to draw attention to him and his issues - e.g. Presidential press conferences

Question 4

Prior restraint

Answer 4

governmental prohibition of the publication of certain information (this is unconstitutional)

Question 5

Confidentiality of sources

Answer 5

the right to keep the sources for their information private

Question 6

Federal Communications Commission

Answer 6

no one may operate a radio or television station without a license from them

Question 7

Fairness doctrine

Answer 7

required broadcasters to give time to opposing views if they broadcast a program giving one side of a controversial issue - abolished in 1987

Question 8

Spin doctor

Answer 8

one who tries to influence journalists with interpretations of events that are favorable to a particular candidate

Question 9

White House Press Corps

Answer 9

assigned full-time to cover the activities of the President

Question 10

Press Secretary

Answer 10

responsible for handling the press corps - public relations