Question 1

Scoop behavior, in which reporters stake out a house or chase celebrities, is called______.

Accepted Answer

Scoop behavior, in which reporters stake out a house or chase celebrities, is called herd journalism, as multiple reporters or news outlets follow the same story, often without much original reporting or investigation.

Question 2

Critics of CNN say it too often engages in ethnocentrism because ______.

Accepted Answer

Critics of CNN argue that it engages in ethnocentrism by telling international stories from a largely American point of view. This means that CNN's reporting may prioritize American perspectives and values over those of other cultures and countries, potentially leading to a limited or biased understanding of global events.

Question 3

______ refers to the moment when the reporter nabs the wrongdoer.

Accepted Answer

A "gotcha story" refers to the moment when a reporter catches a wrongdoer in the act or obtains information that proves wrongdoing. It is often used to create a scandalous news story.

Question 4

One problem with journalists assuming the underlying value of responsible capitalism is that ______.

Accepted Answer

Assuming the underlying value of responsible capitalism can lead to a naïve belief that businesses compete to increase the prosperity of all instead of maximizing their own profits, which may not always be the case. This can result in journalists being too lenient towards companies that claim to practice responsible capitalism without scrutinizing their actions or policies thoroughly.

Question 5

The growing trend of twenty-four-hour cable news stations filling time with "talking head" pundits ______.

Accepted Answer

The trend of using "talking head" pundits often leads to sensationalism and polarization rather than solid journalism, broad appeal, or civil conversation.

Question 6

The textbook uses the news coverage of urban illegal drug problems as an example of ______.

Accepted Answer

The textbook states that news coverage of urban illegal drug problems serves as an example of how news coverage can fail to offer strong continuing coverage of long-term social problems, considering them old news.

Question 7

Which of the following is true about sound bites?

Accepted Answer

Sound bites are typically brief (usually no more than a few seconds long) and can come from a variety of sources, including experts, celebrities, victims, and everyday people on the street. They are often used in television news broadcasts as a way to quickly convey information or evoke a particular emotion or reaction from viewers.

Question 8

Ad-libbed or scripted banter that goes on among local news anchors, reporters, meteorologists, and sports reporters before and after news reports is called ______.

Accepted Answer

Happy talk refers to the ad-libbed or scripted banter that goes on among local news anchors, reporters, meteorologists, and sports reporters before and after news reports.

Question 9

Journalism critics say the quest for balance presents some problems, including ______.

Accepted Answer

All of the options presented can be problems with the quest for balance in journalism. A focus on balance can lead to oversimplification of complex issues, quotes may be selected for drama rather than accuracy, business interests may drive coverage, and those with moderate viewpoints may be overlooked.

Question 10

Which of the following could help a journalist resolve a moral or ethical dilemma?

Accepted Answer

All of the options can provide guidance in resolving a moral or ethical dilemma, depending on the specific situation and values of the journalist. The Golden Rule emphasizes empathy and fairness, the golden mean encourages moderation and balance, Kant's principle prioritizes consistent adherence to universal moral principles, and Bentham and Mill's principle prioritizes maximizing overall happiness or benefit. A thoughtful consideration of all of these principles can lead to a well-considered decision.

Question 11

Herbert Gans studied the newsroom cultures of CBS, NBC, Newsweek, and Time during the 1970s. Which of the following is not one of the enduring values he identified within these newsroom cultures?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Herbert Gans studied the newsroom cultures of...

Question 12

Why have local TV newscasts developed a similar look since the 1970s?

Accepted Answer

Stations began hiring news consultants in the 1970s, who often advised them to adopt national prepackaged formats. This led to a homogenization of local news programs across the country, with similar sets, graphics, and presentation styles.

Question 13

The value of favoring the small over the large and the rural over the urban is called ______.

Accepted Answer

The value of favoring the small over the large and the rural over the urban is called small-town pastoralism. Ethnocentrism is the belief in the superiority of one's own culture. Individualism is the belief in the importance of individual self-reliance and independence. Responsible capitalism is a socio-economic system that balance profit with social responsibility. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are incorrect.

Question 14

Which of the following would be okay for a journalist to accept from a news source and still avoid a conflict of interest?

Accepted Answer

Accepting any gifts or favors from a news source can create a conflict of interest or the appearance of bias, which is against journalistic ethics.

Question 15

For most journalists, the bottom line is ______.

Accepted Answer

The answer of For most journalists, the bottom line is...

Question 16

According to the textbook, which of the following is not characteristic of modern journalism?

Accepted Answer

Modern journalism often focuses on reporting facts and events without providing detailed interpretation and analysis, which is more characteristic of opinion or editorial pieces.

Question 17

According to the textbook, which of the following ideas developed into an underlying, subjective value in the culture of American journalism?

Accepted Answer

All of the options are correct as they are all underlying, subjective values that have been identified in the culture of American journalism.

Question 18

Which of the following did not result from hiring television news consultants?

Accepted Answer

Hiring television news consultants led to a focus on sensational stories ("if it bleeds, it leads") rather than issues-oriented reporting, which was not prioritized.

Question 19

The sound bite in a TV news report is the equivalent of a ______ in a newspaper story.

Accepted Answer

The sound bite in a TV news report is a quote, just like a quote would be included in a newspaper story.

Question 20

The textbook suggests that the best way for journalists to reach ethical decisions might be ______.

Accepted Answer

The textbook suggests that the best way for journalists to reach ethical decisions is to take the time to work through several critical thinking steps. This process involves identifying the ethical issue, gathering information, clarifying values, identifying possible courses of action, and making a decision and monitoring the outcome. This approach allows journalists to carefully consider all aspects of the situation and make a thoughtful and ethical decision.

Quiz 14: The Culture of Journalism: Values, Ethics, and Democracy