Media in the American Political System

What role does the media play in maintaining democratic institutions?

occupies a critical role, providing the public with information necessary to hold elected representatives accountable.

What is often referred to as the 'fourth branch' of government?

The media is colloquially referred to as the 'fourth branch' or 'fourth estate'.

What does the First Amendment guarantee regarding the media?

The freedom of the press from government oversight.

What type of problems can the media perpetuate as agents of political institutions?

Principal-agent problems.

What significant change did the Penny Press bring to newspapers?

Reduced the costs of newspaper production and lowered consumer prices from six cents to one cent.

How did early political media affect public participation in elections?

Newspapers owned by political parties limited access for many members of the public due to financial and cognitive constraints.

What inspired changes in political media regarding credibility?

The growing demand for transparency, accountability, and objectivity.

What major transformation occurred in the media landscape during the 1950s and 1960s?

Television news began providing the public with political information.

What is the impact of cable news networks on media consumption?

They fragmented the media, expanding consumer choices and increasing polarization.

How has the internet affected access to political media?

It has improved access but also perpetuated partisan polarization.

What motivates media markets in the coverage of political events?

The profit motive drives media to promote content that attracts large audiences.

What is 'infotainment'?

A combination of information and entertainment designed to attract consumers.

What was the Fairness Doctrine?

A regulation requiring media companies to present political issues in an ideologically balanced manner, abandoned in 1987.

What is the Equal-Time Rule?

A regulation that ensures fairness in media access among politicians from both parties.

What are two common political ideologies that contribute to media bias?

Liberalism and conservatism.

What is gatekeeping bias?

It involves the media covering certain stories while ignoring others.

What is coverage bias?

When media outlets devote more coverage to specific components of a story than others.

What does statement bias refer to?

When media sources inject their own opinions into factual details related to a story.

What are media effects?

Tactics used by the media to shape how people evaluate the content they consume.

What is priming in the context of media effects?

Increasing the accessibility of a consideration related to a political issue.

What is framing in media effects?

Highlighting a particular aspect of a political issue to manipulate opinions.

How did journalism degrees impact political media?

They trained credible reporters to cover stories from a more objective perspective.

Why is the increase in sensationalized stories a concern?

It reflects the media's drive to maximize profits at the expense of accurate reporting.

How does ideological bias impact public perception?

It furthers polarization by advancing stories from one ideological perspective.

What effect does coverage bias have on public opinion?

It can influence public perception of the general issue being covered.

Why is it a problem that some voters may be unaware of relevant information?

It limits their ability to hold their representatives accountable.

What role does media play in collective dilemmas?

It attempts to influence the government indirectly via public trust.

What is the significance of order effects in media coverage?

The order in which components of a story are covered can influence public evaluation.

How do bylines contribute to credible journalism?

They encourage reporters to adhere to journalistic standards.

What is meant by the fragmentation of the media?

The proliferation of cable networks offering specialized content.

What is the media's responsibility in a democracy?

To provide information that enables accountability and informed voter participation.

Why is media credibility essential for democracy?

It ensures that voters receive accurate information needed for civic engagement.

How does the media impact civil liberties according to the notes?

It preserves civil liberties by operating independently from government influence.

What historical role did newspapers play in American politics?

They served as the earliest form of political media, often aligned with major political parties.

What was a significant outcome of the rise of television news?

It became the most popular medium for delivering political information.

What challenges do modern political media face in terms of objectivity?

The profit motive and partisan bias complicate efforts to maintain objectivity.