Joel Best Chapter 5 Flashcards

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is bias in the context of mass media?

A tendency for media workers' personal beliefs and views on an issue to interfere with balanced and impartial coverage.

What is media coverage?

Attention from mass outlets, such as newspapers and television, that can bring claims to the attention of a wide audience.

What are primary claims?

Claims making that precedes media involvement, normally presented by experts or activists.

What are secondary claims?

The media's transformation of a primary claim, usually shorter and more dramatic. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to present claims in novel ways?

To capture media interest and engage the audience more effectively. Signup and view all the answers

What is the carrying capacity of an arena?

The largest population that an area can support. Signup and view all the answers

What is news work?

The process of locating and presenting news to the larger public. Signup and view all the answers

What are sophisticated claimsmakers known for?

They learn to take news workers' concerns into account, making it easier to cover their claims. Signup and view all the answers

Which are the three largest cities for news?

New York, LA, and Washington D.C. Signup and view all the answers

What are landmark narratives?

Typifying examples that dominate news coverage of a troubling condition. Signup and view all the answers

What are packages in the context of media narratives?

A familiar construction of a particular troubling condition, including specifications of its causes and solutions. Signup and view all the answers

What are condensing symbols?

Shorthand elements that evoke a package. Signup and view all the answers

What is popular culture?

Commercial entertainment that reflects social problems and claims. Signup and view all the answers

What is sociological imagination?

The ability to see private troubles in terms of larger public issues. Signup and view all the answers

What is a risk society?

A society in which social problems are often constructed in terms of risks. Signup and view all the answers

What is a newshole?

The amount of space available each day in a newspaper for news. Signup and view all the answers

What constraints do media workers face?

Deadlines and the need to be thoroughly familiar with the claims they cover. Signup and view all the answers

What is audience segmentation?

Aimed at particular demographic groups to attract viewers. Signup and view all the answers

What are beats in news work?

Types of news that are expected to generate suitable stories. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Media Bias

Analysis of mass media often highlights the issue of bias, defined as the interference of personal beliefs in news coverage.
Conservatives argue that media presents a liberal viewpoint, while liberals counter with claims of a conservative bias.

Media Coverage

Mass media outlets, like newspapers and television, help amplify social issue claims to larger audiences.
Various formats including TV shows, movies, and novels influence the representation of social problems.

The social problems process begins with claims-making, primarily by activists or experts.
Primary claims attract media attention, extending their reach beyond initial claim-makers.

Primary and Secondary Claims

Primary claims are foundational and detailed, typically crafted by insiders seeking media coverage.
Secondary claims involve the media's abbreviated and dramatized transformation of primary claims.

Presentation of Claims

Novel representation is essential for media interest.
Claims should be creatively structured to engage audiences and fit media formats.

Arenas and Carrying Capacity

Various public venues serve as arenas for presenting social problem claims.
Carrying capacity refers to the limitations in how much content can be included in media outlets, like newspapers and talk shows.

News Work Dynamics

News workers play a crucial role in determining which stories are highlighted and how they are presented.
Sophisticated claimsmakers adapt their strategies to align with media interests, creating newsworthy events.

Major News Cities

The largest cities that influence news coverage are New York, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C.

Narratives and Packages

Landmark narratives represent dominant stories that shape public understanding of social issues.
Packages bundle together particular troubling conditions and offer defined causes and solutions.

Symbols in Media

Condensing symbols function as shorthand elements that represent broader concepts or narratives.
Popular culture serves as a platform through which social problems are represented and discussed.

Sociological Perspectives

The sociological imagination allows for the interpretation of personal troubles as broader public issues.
In risk society, social problems are often framed in terms of potential risks faced by individuals and groups.

Limitations of Media and Audience

News holes restrict the space available for news coverage, leading to economic constraints on journalism.
Audience segmentation tailors media content to specific demographic groups, maximizing viewer engagement.

Constraints on News Work

News production is subject to budget limitations and cultural expectations, shaping the coverage landscape.
Bias in reporting can reflect the underlying political ideologies of news workers, affecting story selection and portrayal.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This set of flashcards covers key concepts from Chapter 5 of Joel Best's work, focusing on the role of bias and media coverage in social processes. Ideal for students looking to reinforce their understanding of media analysis and perspectives. Test your knowledge and deepen your insights into media influences.