Card 0 of 16
Yellow Journalism is a term used to refer to journalism that
The term "Yellow Journalism" refers to a type of reporting that presents sensationalized (and often inaccurate) accounts of events in order to attract readers and sell more papers. The sensationalized and potentially inaccurate accounts of the sinking of the U.S.S. Maine in newspapers published by William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer helped to lead to the Spanish-American War at the end of the 19th Century.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
What is the name given to the "leak" of a proposed government policy to the media in order that politicians might observe the public reaction?
A "trial balloon" is information released to the media and framed as if it were an unintentional leak from an unnamed political source; however, the intention is for politicians who are debating a change in policy to observe how the public might react to such a change.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
The practice of reporting shocking or abhorrent news stories for the sake of expanding readership is called __________.
"Yellow journalism" is the name given to the practice of reporting shocking or abhorrent news stories for the sake of attracting new readers and selling more newspapers. Yellow journalism is generally considered manipulative and bad journalistic practice, but that has not stopped various forms of media throughout American history from participating in it. Yellow journalism is most closely associated with the newspapers of William Randolph Hearst who (some argue) single-handedly dragged the United States into war with Spain by reporting on various news stories inaccurately to characterize the Spanish as violent and barbaric. Partisan journalism is the name given to a media source that serves the interests of a political party above the interests of the general public.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
The terms "common-carrier role" and "watchdog role" are used to refer to __________.
"Common-carrier role" refers to the idea that the media acts as a vehicle through which political leaders can communicate with the general public. The "watchdog role" refers to the idea that the media acts as a servant of the people by keeping an eye on politicians, making sure they are not corrupt or negligible in office. Both of these terms relate to the role that the media plays in connecting the government to the people.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
Which of these do Americans choose most often as a source of news?
Since its invention, the television has become the easiest and most widely available means of acquiring political news and commentary.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
When the media engage in agenda setting, they are telling us __________.
News outlets often choose which stories get the headline or 1st position as well as, how much time is devoted to a subject. This is agenda setting and is the media's most used tool to influence viewers.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
The overall business of the media, in whatever form, is to __________.
News corporations, like any business, want to make profit. The best way to do that is to ensure you have a large viewing audience that attracts advertisers to sell on their network.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
A(n) ___________ is a widely-known (generally) individual who has the ability to effect public opinion on a particular matter.
The correct answer is “opinion leader.” Classic examples would be Piers Morgan, Sean Hannity, or anyone similar. Both of these men are widely known individuals who have quite a large effect on public opinion on political matters. Although teacher or community leader may have been tempting, those are technically examples of (possible) opinion leaders—but are not individually the definition.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
What was not a reason for the formation of national magazines founded in the mid- to late-1800s, such as the Nation, the Atlantic Monthly, and Harper's?
In the middle and late 1800s, the middle class was fed up with "yellow journalism" and started buying into the social reform goals of the Progressive era. This gave rise to a market for magazines that would devote their time to issues of public policy with solid, fact-based reporting.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
In what way has the format of the "big three" news networks changed since the 1960s, making it harder for candidates to get their message across?
Coverage of political candidates on the "big three" networks has been broken up into shorter pieces and as a result is much less in-depth. The average sound bite dropped from 42 seconds in 1968 to 7.3 seconds in 2000. As a result, politicians often turn to cable TV, early morning news shows, prime time "news magazine shows," and other sources to get more extensive coverage.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
Which of the following statements accurately describes the average American newspaper?
In strong contrast to many other countries, American newspapers are primarily oriented to the local market and the local audience, and there is typically more local than national news inside. There are a few widely read national newspapers, such as the New York Times and the Washington Post, but these are the exception rather than the norm.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
Which is not a role that the national press plays in relation to the federal government?
The media plays the role of gatekeeper because it can influence what subjects become national political issues and for how long. As scorekeepers, the national media helps keep track of the progress of various candidates in elections. As watchdogs, the media pays close attention to the politicians that they are interested in, and will expose corruption (as in the Watergate Scandal).
Compare your answer with the correct one above
A salient issue is one that __________.
Salient is defined as the most noticeable or important. A salient issue is one that is topmost on people's mind. An example would be the economy during times of recession.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
More than two-thirds of Americans report that they receive “all or most” of their political information from which source?
Since its invention, television has become the easiest accessible and most prevalent source of information. Additionally, 24 hour news networks provide the easiest means for people to acquire political information.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
What is the principal effect of television on public opinion?
The most important impact of television is the agenda setting. News networks can choose what stories get the top of the hour and how much time to spend on them.
Compare your answer with the correct one above
The first and most influencing group on one's political socialization is who?
As early as 5 years old, young people start to assimilate and have affective feelings on political subjects provided by their interactions with their parents and family. This process continues until they form their own political worldview.
Compare your answer with the correct one above