Media and Interest Groups Study Guide

mass media

channels that communicate information to a large audience

mass media includes

television, newspapers, online platforms

types of media content

news, editorial, advocacy journalism

news

aims to inform objectively

editorial

opinion based content

advocacy journalism

journalism that promotes a political or social agenda

media literacy

the ability to access, analyze, evaluate and create media in various forms

bias

favoring one view over others

spin

a form of propaganda that involves biased interpretation to sway public opinion

echo chamber

environments where a person only encounters information or opinions that reflect and reinforce their own

FCC (Federal Communications Commission)

regulates U.S communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable

FEC (Federal Election Commision)

enforces campaign finance laws in federal elections

Citizens United v FEC (2010)

landmark case allowing unlimited independent political expenditures by corporations and unions

watchdog groups

monitor media bias and political spending

media consolidation

fewer companies owning more media outlets, reducing diversity of viewpoints

fairness doctrine (now repealed)

required broadcasters to present contrasting views on controversial issues

advocacy

a state of isolation from differing viewpoints due to algorithmic personalization

lobbying

the act of attempting to influence decisions made by officials in the government, often legislators or regulators

lobbyist

a person hired to influence public policy on behalf of an organization, company or cause

interest group

an orgnized group that seeks to influence public policy

NRA

National Rifle Association (gun rights

AFL-CIO

Labor union federation

AARP

advocates for senior citizens

Greenpeace

environmental activism

interest groups tactics

direct communication with lawmakers, drafting legislation, litigation, campaign contributions, media campaigns

PAC (Political Action Committee)

an organization that raises money to support candidates or legislation

Super PACs

May raise and spend unlimited sums independently of campaigns

dark money

political spending by nonprofit organizations that are not required to disclose donors

The “Revolving Door”

the movement of individuals between government positions and lobbying jobs, raising ethical concerns

Astroturfing

creating the illusion of grassroots support through fake or deceptive practices

Conflict of interest

when someone in power has competing personal or professional interests that could influence decisions unfairly