Media + Interest Groups

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Mass Media

Channels that communicate information to large audiences, including: Television, Newspapers, and Online platforms

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; important to detect when analyzing media

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.

Federal Communications Commission

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

Federal Election Commission

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

Monitors media bias and political spending

Media Consolidation

Fewer companies owning more media outlets, reducing diversity of viewpoints

Fainess Doctorine

Required broadcasters to present contrasting views on controversial issues

Advocacy

Public support for a cause or policy

Filter Bubble

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 organized group that seeks to influence public policy

NRA

National Rifle Association

AFL-CIO

Labor union federation

AARP

Advocates for senior citizens

Greenpeace

Enviormental Activism

Tactics

Direct communication with lawmakers, Drafting legislation, Litigation, Campaign contributions, Media campaigns

Political Action Committee

An organization that raises money to support candidates or legislation

Super PAC

May raise and spend unlimited sums independently of campaigns

Dark Money

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

“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