Section 5 - Public Opinion and the Media Flashcards
mass media
Types of technology that communicate to large numbers—a mass—of people; present-day
mass media include newspapers, radio, broadcast and cable television, films, magazines, compact discs,
podcasts, and many forms of digital/social media.
broadcast media
TV and radio stations regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
hypodermic theory
A model of communications suggesting that an intended message is directly
received (“injected”) and completely accepted & believed by the receiver.
cultivation theory
The idea that media presents a version of reality that eventually “cultivates” a
worldview generally accepted by the population.
minimal effects theory
the idea that the media have little effect on citizens. Media affects us indirectly
through others.
framing
the process of giving a news story a specific context or background.
priming
The process of predisposing media readers or viewers to think and act a particular way.
Overt media:
when the writer or publication makes clear to the reader or viewer that the information
offers only one side of the political debate or open stating their political ideology.
Covert media
political information using political ideologies/viewpoints yet presented under the
pretense that it is neutral.
agenda setting
The ability of powerful media to focus public attention on particular issues or topics via
strength of its coverage. The media attempts to get government to do something about these issues
horse-race journalism
The common media practice of only reporting which candidates are ahead in the
public opinion polls. This journalism does not report on why the candidates are ahead or what their
issues are
bandwagon effect
A tendency by the media to increase coverage of candidates who are currently
polling well.
pack journalism
A style of journalism in which all journalists cover the same issues and stories rather
than seeking out their own stories.
prior restraint
The legal suppression of speech or media coverage prior to public speaking or
publication; a form of censorship; the First Amendment significantly limits prior restraint (that is, favors
freedom of speech and the press).
equal-time rule
A provision of the 1934 Communications Act, this federal rule requires broadcasters to
provide equal opportunities for airtime and advertising to all legally qualified candidates for the same
office.
fairness doctrine
A federal rule, repealed in 1987, that required media broadcasters to provide
balanced airtime to all sides of an issue
sunshine laws
A law that mandates government proceedings and meeting documents be made
available to the public.
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
A 1967 act that requires the executive branch of the U.S.
government to provide information requested by citizens; a “sunshine law” that allows citizens to know
what the government does. Helps the Media to be a ‘political watchdog’ to report on scandals or
corruptions in government.
mandate
In politics, newly elected officials want to claim more authority and influence an elected
official by claiming they win with substantial popular support. A politician with a mandate has
confidence to push for desired policies, knowing people will probably maintain their support.
Miller v. California (1973)
a Supreme Court case that identified a Miller test for obscenity, allowing the
regulation of indecency in broadcasting; as well as communities to allow indecent pornography.
muckraking
the process of journalists seeking out information on scandals or misconduct in
government, politics, or business. Ties into the Media being our political watchdog
political cultures
shared political attitudes, values, and beliefs
political socialization
the process by which we are trained to understand and join a country’s political
world.
political ideologies
A consistent philosophy about the structure, power, and purpose of government.
American political ideologies include progressive, liberal, moderate, independent, conservative, and
libertarian.
Liberal
a political ideology that values equality in government laws and actions. Promotes larger
government & higher taxes to enforce equality, more welfare and economic control over businesses.
Classical Liberalism
a political ideology that believes in individual rights, liberties and freedoms. Views
government with suspicion and rejects government intervention.
Conservative
A political ideology that values personal freedom with less government taxes and
regulations over businesses, less welfare, and government spending
gender gap
the marked differences in political opinion between men and women.
political elites
A community and/or political leader who shapes or even dominates public opinion by
providing information to citizens and fostering political strategy
research
learning background information before making a decision
heuristics
rules of thumb (cues or labels from others, organizations)
