13.2 DE GOV i hate this...

What is the primary purpose of press releases for public figures?

Press releases allow public figures to offer official positions, responses, or announcements on specific issues or events. They serve as a foundational tool to control the narrative around a topic.

How are press releases distributed to journalists?

Press releases are distributed via email, fax, or direct handoffs to ensure timely communication with the media.

What are press briefings?

 press briefings involve live engagement with the media.

What is the role of press secretaries or spokespersons in press briefings?

Press secretaries or spokespersons conduct press briefings, providing updates on limited topics while keeping the official detached from direct media engagement.

Why are press briefings limited in scope?

They focus on specific topics to maintain control over the messaging and avoid delving into unrelated issues.

What opportunities do press conferences provide to reporters and officials?

Reporters can probe deeply into a range of topics, while officials use press conferences to shape public understanding of critical issues.

How do modern presidents use press conferences strategically?

Presidents may grant exclusive access to sympathetic media outlets to reinforce specific messages and gain favorable coverage.

What are news leaks?

News leaks, or the unauthorized disclosure of confidential information, are a double-edged sword in political journalism.
On the one hand, they are a vital source of information for reporters and the public, offering insights into government actions that might otherwise remain hidden.
On the other hand, leaks often have ulterior motives, as they may be used to undermine rivals or influence policy debates.

What are the potential motives behind news leaks?

Leaks may be intended to undermine rivals, influence policy debates, or draw attention to government actions.

What are the legal consequences of national security-related leaks?

They can lead to prosecutions under laws like the Espionage Act of 1917, though most other leaks go unpunished.

How has digital technology impacted the tracing of leaks?

Advances in digital tracking have made it easier to identify the sources of leaks, resulting in more prosecutions, especially under the Obama administration.

What are the three primary groups the media focus on when covering Congress?

• Party Leaders: High-profile figures like the Speaker of the House and Senate Majority and Minority Leaders.

• Committee Chairs: Influential leaders of committees like Appropriations or Judiciary.

• Local Representatives: Members prioritized by local outlets, even if not nationally prominent.

How does the media’s focus on Congress affect public perception?

Media coverage of Congress is often negative, focusing on partisan conflict, gridlock, and scandals. This focus can contribute to the public’s low approval ratings of Congress, as citizens primarily see its dysfunction rather than its achievements.

How does the president utilize media to achieve political goals?

Presidents use media to maintain public support, advance policy agendas, and counter criticism. They also bypass traditional outlets through social media, paid advertisements, and appearances on local shows.

What contrast exists between President Biden and President Trump’s approaches to press relations?

resident Biden emphasized restoring credibility and transparency in White House press briefings, whereas President Trump had a more controversial relationship with the press.

Why is the Supreme Court less covered compared to Congress or the presidency?

The Court's low public profile, the absence of televised proceedings, and the complexity of its rulings make its coverage less frequent and less accessible to the general public.  Stories about the Court often frame decisions in political terms, which can erode trust in its impartiality.

How did the Supreme Court increase transparency during the COVID-19 pandemic?

The Court broadcast live audio of its proceedings, providing unprecedented public access to its decision-making process. (historic)

How has social media reshaped the relationship between politicians and the public?

Social media platforms like Twitter allow politicians to bypass traditional media gatekeepers, fostering direct engagement and immediacy.

What drawback arises from politicians bypassing traditional media?

This reduces the media’s role as a filter and watchdog, potentially enabling unchecked messaging and misinformation.

What factors in digital media contribute to political polarization?

The rise of hyperpartisan outlets and clickbait-driven revenue models exacerbate misinformation and undermine trust in journalism.

What advantages and challenges does citizen journalism bring to political discourse?

Citizen journalism democratizes information and empowers individuals to contribute to discussions, but it raises concerns about credibility and accountability.

How does the media frame Supreme Court decisions, and what is the consequence?

decisions are often framed in political terms, which can erode public trust in the Court's fairness