Andrew Heywood - Politics Fifth Edition - Chapter 12: Media and Politics

Vocabulary terms and theories regarding the relationship between the media and politics based on Andrew Heywood's Politics (Fifth Edition).

Pluralist theory

An ideological marketplace in which a wide range of political views are debated, no single group controls the media, and the public has access to various perspectives.

Dominant-ideology theory

A theory viewing media as a politically conservative force aligned with economic and social elites, supporting the existing power structure and discouraging social change.

Elite-values theory

The view that media's political bias reflects the values of the professionals running it (editors, journalists, broadcasters) rather than the owners.

Market theory

The idea that the media reflects rather than shapes the views of the public by delivering what they ask for, prioritized by ratings and sales.

Free press

A press free of censorship and government interference, considered a key feature of democratic governance.

Civic forum

A key democratic role of the media providing a space in which meaningful and serious political debate can take place.

Watchdog role

The media's role in overseeing the government and big public/private institutions to ensure public accountability.

Culture of contempt

A media-driven negative attitude and culture of hatred and disrespect towards politicians.

24/7 government

A consequence of the 24/7 news cycle that results in less time for policy analysis and leads to rushed, imperfect decisions.

E-democracy

The use of computer-based technologies, such as online voting and petitions, to deepen and enhance citizen engagement in democratic processes.

E-voting

Online voting in elections or referendums using computer-based technologies.

Blogs

Essentially personal websites used as a means for citizens to access political information, news, and comments.

Arab Spring (2011)

A specific example of the use of mobile/smartphones and social media to organize popular protests and demonstrations.

E-campaigning

The use of computer-based technologies to publicize, organize, and lobby for the election of candidates for political office.

Podcasts

Short interviews conducted with candidates before their elections as part of their political marketing.

Propaganda Machine

Media serving as a powerful tool for intentionally spreading misleading information to influence public opinion and promote specific agendas.

Spin

The presentation of information so as to elicit the desired response, often by being 'economical with the truth'.

Economical with the truth

The practice of providing an incomplete truth to suit the interest of politicians or political candidates.