The Mass Media and Public Opinion
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Questions and Answers

Which of these is a reason why the government cannot tell the media what to publish?

  • The public needs access to a wide range of information and ideas to properly function in the world. (correct)
  • The government can decide what is best for each individual.
  • The media should not have to be responsible for their content.
  • The government does not have a place in deciding what kind of news is released.

    • What does the First Amendment mean?

  • The government can only control the media during times of war.
  • The public can be free from any censorship or regulation of media.
  • The media cannot be sued for what they publish.
  • The government cannot limit what the media publishes before it's released to the public. (correct)

    • What is one important role that the government plays in the media?

  • The government can decide what kind of news is important for the public to receive.
  • The government can create laws about what the media can publish.
  • The government protects the media's ability to operate freely. (correct)
  • The government can regulate media outlets to ensure accurate information.

    • According to the graph, what is the relationship between the age groups and media usage?

    <p>The younger generation is more likely to use the internet than older generations. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the graph, which media source is most popular across all age groups?

    <p>Television (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main benefit for journalists when they receive information from politicians?

    <p>To increase their audience (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can politicians do if they leak information and the public reaction is negative?

    <p>They can quietly drop the issue. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is NOT a reason why journalists are motivated to expose government waste or corruption?

    <p>To gain political power. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key difference between how politicians ran for office in the past compared to today?

    <p>To gain political power. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main tension described in the section about media and national security?

    <p>The government's need for secrecy versus the public's need for information. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the two essential roles of media in the United States?

    <p>To influence politics and government and to link citizens to elected officials (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What primarily drives media outlets in the United States to choose what news to cover?

    <p>The potential to attract the largest audience for maximum profit (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the "public agenda" in the context of media and government?

    <p>A list of issues that the government is currently prioritising (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can the media influence government actions?

    <p>By providing a platform for public debate and shaping public opinion (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT an example of Print media?

    <p>Radio (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one reason government officials might leak information to the media?

    <p>To test public reaction to proposals (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protect?

    <p>The freedom of the press (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do embedded journalists report during military actions?

    <p>By joining the troops in battle for first-hand accounts (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What concern did critics have about the arrangement with embedded journalists?

    <p>It would prevent journalists from being impartial (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following forms of media does the term 'press' encompass in the context of the First Amendment?

    <p>Print, radio, television, and the Internet (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    First Amendment

    Part of the U.S. Constitution guaranteeing freedom of speech and press.

    Prior Restraint

    Pre-publication censorship imposed by the government.

    Media Freedom

    The media's ability to report without government interference.

    Government Role in Media

    The government protects media freedom but cannot dictate content.

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    Impact of Age on Media Usage

    Different age groups prefer different media forms.

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    Political Leaks

    The release of confidential information to influence public opinion or gain favor.

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    Watchdog Journalism

    The role of the media in monitoring and reporting government misconduct or corruption.

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    Candidate Coverage

    How the media reports on political candidates and their activities during elections.

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    Media Influence on Politics

    How media coverage can shape public perception and political outcomes.

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    Government Secrecy vs. Public Information

    The tension between the need for government to keep secrets and the public's right to know.

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    Freedom of the Press

    The right of media to report without government interference.

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    Classified Information

    Information restricted for national security reasons.

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    Embedded Journalists

    Reporters assigned to military units to cover events.

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    Leaks

    Unauthorized disclosures of classified information to the media.

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    Media's Role

    The media influences politics by shaping public opinion and setting the public agenda.

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    Public Agenda

    The list of issues that the government prioritizes based on media influence and public interest.

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    Types of Media

    Media can be classified as print (newspapers, magazines) or electronic (radio, television).

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    Commercial Media

    Most media outlets are private businesses aimed at making a profit through viewership.

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    Media Influence

    Media determines which problems become priority issues for government action by publicizing them.

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    Study Notes

    The Mass Media

    • News media, like newspapers and television, play a crucial role in shaping public opinion. They track politicians, report on events, and influence public agenda.
    • Media outlets are often businesses focused on profit, which can impact the news they choose to report.
    • The media can act as a "watchdog" by exposing government misconduct or waste.
    • They can also "spin" the news to present a particular viewpoint, influencing perspectives.
    • Citizens can better understand media messages by recognizing the diverse viewpoints of those in the media.
    • The media play a key role in informing the public about government and politics, but can also have a strong influence on what issues get most attention.

    Content Vocabulary

    • Print Media: Newspapers, magazines, newsletters, and books.
    • Electronic Media: Radio, television, and the internet
    • Public Agenda: Important issues that receive government attention.
    • Prior Restraint: Government preventing media from publishing information before it's released.
    • Leak: Secret release of information to the media.
    • Libel: False information intentionally published that harms reputation.
    • Malice: Deliberate intent to harm someone.

    Academic Vocabulary

    • Acknowledge: To admit or recognize something as true or valid.
    • Benefit: An advantage or profit.
    • Regulatory: Rules created to govern or control.

    Reading Strategy

    • Create a chart to record the impact of different types of media on shaping ideas.

    Media and Elected Officials

    • Journalists and politicians have a complex relationship, relying on, but sometimes clashing with each other.

    • Politicians may 'leak' information to friendly journalists to gauge public reaction without admitting to their actions.

    • Information leaks play a significant role in political decision-making and public engagement.

    Coverage of Candidates

    • Modern media, most notably television, make running for office possible for individuals who might not have traditionally been involved in politics.
    • Now celebrities and sports personalities can easily move into major political roles.
    • Media significantly influences the public figures known to the general public.

    Media and National Security

    • Balancing public information with national security is a complex issue.
    • Government attempts to manage the flow of news about national security sometimes constrain journalist coverage.

    Media Safeguards

    • The First Amendment to the US Constitution protects freedom of the press, but this doesn't mean that reporting has no limitations.
    • Libel remains a limitation-false information isn't allowed, and it needs to be done with a motive to do harm to reputation.
    • Public figures have a harder time in libel cases than private citizens. They need to prove actual malice.
    • Media shield laws protect reporters from revealing their sources in certain situations.

    Regulating the Media

    • The federal government has specific powers to control broadcast media, due to limited spectrum availability.
    • This oversight is handled by the FCC.
    • The FCC can impose penalties on broadcasting stations that break guidelines.

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    Related Documents

    Grade 7 Chapter 11: The Mass Media PDF

    Description

    Explore the essential role of mass media in shaping public opinion and influencing political discourse. This quiz will cover key concepts such as print and electronic media, public agenda, and the impact of news reporting on society. Test your knowledge of the ways media can both inform and manipulate public perception.

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