Question 1

What role does the public's desire for entertainment play in the media's decisions to focus its stories on sensational and entertaining topics?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What role does the public's desire for...

Question 2

Contrary to earlier models, the current view of most scholars of media and American politics sees a model of ______ effects, which focuses not so much on how the media may or may not change partisan affiliation or voter choice but on the ways the media shapes the overall conversation taking place in the public sphere.

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The answer of Contrary to earlier models, the current view...

Question 3

Both scholars and ordinary Americans have come to the settled conclusion that the media has a liberal bias.

Accepted Answer

There is no universally settled conclusion among scholars or the general public about media bias, as opinions vary widely and are often influenced by individual perspectives and political affiliations.

Question 4

Through its ability to select which stories are covered, the media may exert an ______ role by highlighting which issues are worthy of coverage and, as a consequence, worthy of the public's attention.

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The answer of Through its ability to select which stories...

Question 5

One of the most important developments in the internet age has been the rise of ______ like Facebook and Twitter.

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Question 6

The fairness doctrine has ceased to be rigorously enforced, partly because of the growth in cable television channels and shows.

Accepted Answer

The growth in cable television channels and shows has made it difficult to enforce the fairness doctrine, leading to a decrease in its enforcement. However, it has not been formally abolished and technically still exists.

Question 7

Many critics of the American news media argue that the nation's largest newspapers and mainstream news outlets demonstrate a ______ bias.

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Question 8

Explain and analyze the phenomenon of the "digital divide" as discussed in your textbook.

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Question 9

Supporters of net neutrality believe companies that provide the "highways" of the internet and broadband age should be able to charge more to content providers whose "livestock" chew up more bandwidth.

Accepted Answer

Supporters of net neutrality believe that all content should be treated equally and that there should be no discrimination or higher fees based on the amount of bandwidth used.

Question 10

How have changes in social media consumption and production impacted the ability of Americans to get their voices heard?

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The answer of How have changes in social media consumption...

Question 11

The blurring of the lines between news and entertainment and the demands placed on the news to attract a commercial audience have also pressured reporters to be more objective.

Accepted Answer

The sentence states that the demands placed on the news to attract a commercial audience have pressured reporters to be more objective. This is contradictory, as the pressure to attract a commercial audience typically leads to sensationalism and entertainment rather than objectivity.

Question 12

One of the consequences of media deregulation has been the need to shape media coverage to attract as wide an audience as possible.

Accepted Answer

Media deregulation has led to increased competition and a focus on profits, leading media outlets to prioritize attracting a wider audience to maximize advertising revenue. This often results in sensationalized or simplified coverage to appeal to a broader demographic.

Question 13

The Telecommunications Act of 1996 regulated media ownership.

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The answer of The Telecommunications Act of 1996 regulated media...

Question 14

According to research presented in a 2013 Pew Research Center poll, internet news consumption has overtaken that of television news media.

Accepted Answer

The 2013 Pew Research Center poll indicated that television was still the dominant source of news consumption, although internet news consumption was increasing.

Question 15

What challenges do new media communications technologies pose to the ability of the federal government to regulate traditional and nontraditional media?

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Question 16

Popular comedy shows such as The Daily Show and The Colbert Report are good examples of the blurring of lines between information and entertainment known as ______.

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Question 17

The deregulation of media outlets has led to an increase in their diversity.

Accepted Answer

The deregulation of media outlets has actually led to consolidation, with a small number of large corporations owning the majority of media outlets. This has resulted in a decrease in diversity of viewpoints and perspectives presented in media.

Question 18

In recent years, candidates have played a minimal role in shaping the news agenda.

Accepted Answer

Candidates have actually played a significant role in shaping the news agenda in recent years, especially during election seasons. Their statements, actions, and policies often make headline news and generate discussions among media outlets and the public.

Question 19

The media can actually shape an individual's political knowledge and understanding.

Accepted Answer

The media plays a crucial role in shaping individuals' political knowledge and understanding as it is a primary source of information about political events, issues, and government policies. The type of coverage, framing, and tone of the media can influence public perceptions and beliefs about politics and shapes their attitudes towards different political actors and issues.

Question 20

Describe how the sources of Americans' political news have changed during the 21st century. Use examples to explain or describe what these changes mean in today's political and social environment.

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Quiz 6: The Media: Truth, Power, and American Democracy