Introduction to Mass Media and Democracy

First Amendment

Part of the U.S. Constitution that guarantees freedom of speech and the press.

Fourth Estate

A term used to describe the press as a vital part of democracy and a check on government.

Thomas Paine

Author of 'Common Sense,' which argued for independence from Britain and the right to self-governance.

Alien and Sedition Act

1798 law that made it illegal to criticize the government or its officials.

Freedom of Speech

The right to express any opinions without censorship or restraint.

Professionalization

The process of developing standards and practices to improve the quality of journalism.

Commercialization

The process of managing or running something principally for financial gain in the media sector.

Technological Changes

Advancements in technology that have transformed how news is produced and consumed.

Regulatory Change

Modifications in laws governing media practices and ownership.

Penny Press

Low-cost newspapers that democratized news by making it affordable to the general public.

Watchdog Function

The press's role in monitoring the actions of government and other powerful institutions.

Public Forum

A space where diverse viewpoints are shared and discussed, vital for a healthy democracy.

Electoral Forum

The arena in which media influences elections by providing candidates a platform to connect with voters.

Infotainment

A blend of information and entertainment in media content.

Pluralism

A diversity of newspapers and media outlets catering to different viewpoints and interests.

Scholarly Debate

Academic discussions on the various roles and implications of the media in society.

McCarthyism

The practice of making accusations of subversion or treason without proper evidence, particularly in the U.S. during the 1950s.

Adversarial Press

A type of journalism that critically scrutinizes government and institutions, particularly noted during the Vietnam War era.

Deregulation

The reduction or elimination of government rules controlling the media landscape.

Public Broadcasting

Media outlets funded by the public to provide information without commercial interests.

Commercial Media

Media enterprises that operate primarily for profit rather than public interest.

Direct Subsidies

Financial support provided directly by the government to media organizations.

Indirect Subsidies

Financial support that helps media indirectly, such as tax breaks or grants.

Democratic Education

The process of informing and educating citizens about democratic principles and practices.

Cultural Factors

The influences of a society's culture on the development and functioning of its media systems.

Historical Development

The evolution of mass media through various societal changes and technological advancements.

State Involvement

Government participation or regulation in media to uphold standards or support public services.

Mass Circulation Press

A large-scale distribution of newspapers that aims to reach a broad audience.

Political Parallelism

The degree to which media organizations are aligned with political parties or movements.

Degree of Professionalization

The extent to which journalists adhere to professional standards and ethics.

Watchdog Journalism

Investigative reporting that holds power accountable by exposing corruption or malpractice.

Social Empathy

The media's ability to foster understanding and connection among diverse audience groups.

Technological Disrupters

Innovations that significantly change media practices, such as the internet or social media platforms.

The Telecommunications Act of 1996

Law that eased restrictions on media ownership, leading to further consolidation.

Freedom of the Press

The right of media organizations to publish news and opinions without government interference.

Political Accountability

The responsibility of politicians to act in the interest of the public and be answerable to them.

Comparative Media Systems

Analysis of how different countries manage and regulate their media according to cultural and historical contexts.

Public Sphere

An area in social life where individuals can come together to freely discuss and identify societal problems.