THE MEDIA Flashcards
What are the most influential national newspapers in the United States, and why are they influential?
- New York Times
- Washington Post
- Chicago Tribune
- Los Angeles Times
- Wall Street Journal
- USA Today
- Christian Science Monitor
These newspapers are influential because they influence what stories TV networks and radio stations cover and they give researchers potential research topics.
As early as Hoover’s presidency, what was the relationship between presidents and the media?
Presidents had great control over what the media covered and could choose what information to give/not give to reporters.
What was FDR’s relationship with the media?
The media had a strong relationship with FDR which influenced how the general public perceived him.
What is the media’s attitude towards government today?
The media is more cynical and distrustful of government due to scandals such as Watergate and the leaked Pentagon papers on U.S.’s involvement in the Vietnam War.
What do most scholars argue about the media’s role in relation to the government?
They argue that the media is the unofficial fourth branch of government because its freedom is explicitly written in the Constitution and because it acts as a check on government officials.
What is yellow journalism?
journalism that appeared in the early 1900s that contained sensational accounts on major events
What is the difference between the content of online newspapers and the content of printed newspapers?
Online newspapers tend to be more opinion driven while printed newspapers tend to be more objective.
How do media conglomerates influence the media?
Media conglomerates control which stories are covered.
What was the difference in opinion on the Kennedy-Nixon presidential debate between those who listened on the radio and those who watched on TV?
Those who listened to the debate on the radio (minority) favored Nixon more because they focused on the substance of his arguments. Those who watched the debate on TV (majority) favored Kennedy more because he had more visual appeal (LMAO) than Nixon.
What is narrowcasting and how did it develop?
Developed by the growth of cable TV, narrowcasting is when the media targets a particularly narrow audience.
Is late night news more objective or opinion driven?
opinion driven
Which media outlets tend to be more liberal?
- national TV
- print media
Which media outlets tend to be more conservative?
- local news stations (owned by conservative conglomerates)
- AM radio
Why is it unlikely that journalists’ personal attitudes impact how they cover stories?
- news is mostly reported in point/counterpoint format
- strong belief in journalistic objectivity
- editors reward objectivity
What is the role of media in regards to its audience, and what group of people is it most effective with?
The role of media is to tell its audience what to think about, not about what conclusion to have. Media works best with people who do not closely follow politics.
