Question 1

Why is it essential that the media operate free of government control?

Accepted Answer

When the media operates free of government control, it can be truly objective in its coverage and serve as a "watchdog" function to hold those in power accountable. If the government controls the media, it can use it to manipulate public opinion and suppress dissenting voices. Private interests may not always be more honest and objective than the government, but when the media is free from government control, it can serve as a check on both private and government interests. The other options (A, B, D, and E) are not as relevant to why media freedom is important.

Question 2

Which of the following is considered a benefit of television and Internet news reporting?

Accepted Answer

All of these choices are considered benefits of television and Internet news reporting. Television and Internet news reporting has the ability to inform viewers of political agendas and decisions, allow citizens to witness the effects of natural disasters or conflicts, observe actual battlefields, and help keep government officials accountable to the people.

Question 3

Unlike other industries, the media enjoy which special constitutionally granted protection?

Accepted Answer

The media enjoy the special constitutionally granted protection of the First Amendment's "freedom of the press." This means that the government cannot restrict or censor what the media publishes or broadcasts, even if it is critical of the government or individuals. However, this protection does not extend to the right to print false information that damages the reputation of an individual.

Question 4

What was the name given by President Theodore Roosevelt to a group of journalists who investigated and exposed corporate and political corruption in American life?

Accepted Answer

President Theodore Roosevelt gave the name "muckrakers" to a group of journalists who investigated and exposed corporate and political corruption in American life. The term "muckraker" was initially used negatively, but Roosevelt acknowledged their important role in reforming society.

Question 5

In Abrams v. United States (1919), Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes made an argument for the __________, which today is used as an argument for freedom of the press.

Accepted Answer

In Abrams v. United States (1919), Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes argued for the "marketplace of ideas," meaning that a free and open exchange of ideas, even controversial or unpopular ones, is essential to a functioning democracy. This argument is often cited in defense of freedom of the press.

Question 6

What effect did the Telecommunications Act of 1996 have on the Federal Communications Commission?

Accepted Answer

The Telecommunications Act of 1996 transformed the FCC from a regulator of the industry into a supporter of competition within the industry. It aimed to ensure competition in the telecommunications industry by lifting restrictions on ownership and allowing for entry of new competition. The Act also tasked the FCC with promoting competition among all providers of telecommunications services, including cable TV, telephone companies, and broadcasters.

Question 7

Which of the following is not true of objectivity in the media?

Accepted Answer

Objectivity in the media is not clearly defined by the Telecommunications Act of 1996. This act regulates communication technologies, but it does not establish standards for journalistic objectivity.

Question 8

Which of the following is not considered a form of media?

Accepted Answer

While the telephone allows for communication, it is not typically considered a form of media in the same way that television, newspapers, the Internet, and book publishers are.

Question 9

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was created in 1934 for what purpose?

Accepted Answer

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was created in 1934 to regulate the electronic media through licensing of broadcasters and creating rules for broadcasters to follow. Its purpose was to ensure that broadcasters served the public interest, convenience, and necessity.

Question 10

Which statement is false?

Accepted Answer

Most news media organizations in the United States are not owned by the federal government. They are primarily owned by private corporations and individuals.

Question 11

What tools does the FCC have that it may employ for violation of its rules?

Accepted Answer

The FCC has the power to revoke a broadcasting license or impose fines for violations of its rules. Option A and B are extreme measures and are not typically employed by the FCC. Option D is incorrect as the FCC does have power to enforce its rules. Option E is incorrect as the FCC has the power to issue sanctions, not just advisements.

Question 12

The Telecommunications Act of 1996 _________________________________.

Accepted Answer

The Telecommunications Act of 1996 deregulated cable television providers and eliminated monopolies by local phone companies. This allowed for increased competition and innovation in the telecommunications industry. The act did not give the FCC the power to regulate indecent material, require broadcasters to provide public affairs programming under the "fairness doctrine," extend the power of the FCC to include regulation of print media, or promote the equal time rule.

Question 13

Which of the following would be the best definition of objectivity within the context of the media?

Accepted Answer

Objectivity within the context of the media means reporting events in a fair, accurate, factual, and equitable manner while providing perspectives from all sides of an issue. It involves presenting the facts without bias, allowing the audience to form their own opinions. Option A, B, D, and E are not good definitions of objectivity in the media.

Question 14

Research indicates that when all forms of media are taken together, Americans devote how much time to media, including television, radio, the press, the Internet, and other forms?

Accepted Answer

According to a Nielsen report in 2018, Americans spend an average of 10 hours and 39 minutes per day consuming media in various forms, adding up to approximately 3,500 hours per year.

Question 15

The principal functions of the media in the political system of the United States include _____________.

Accepted Answer

The media's primary functions in the political system of the United States are providing objective coverage of events, facilitating public debate, and serving as a government watchdog. Through these functions, the media helps to ensure accountability, transparency, and informed decision-making within the political system. While media bias and other factors can sometimes interfere with these functions, they remain important for maintaining a healthy democracy.

Question 16

What is the purpose of the FCC's "equal time rule"?

Accepted Answer

The FCC's equal time rule requires radio and television stations to offer equal amounts of air time to all political candidates who want to broadcast advertisements. This helps ensure fairness and equal opportunity in political advertising.

Question 17

In his dissenting opinion in Abrams v. United States in 1919, then-Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes coined the term free marketplace of ideas which is today used as an argument for a free press. What is meant by this statement?

Accepted Answer

The statement "free marketplace of ideas" suggests that like a free market for goods and services, ideas should also be free to circulate and compete in order to provide a diversity of perspectives and ultimately arrive at better ideas or solutions. This is the argument for a free press because without the ability to freely communicate ideas, including those that may be critical of those in power, a society cannot make informed decisions or hold its leaders accountable.

Question 18

In the case, FCC v. Pacifica Foundation (1978), the Supreme Court ruled that the _________________.

Accepted Answer

The Supreme Court ruled that the FCC had the authority to regulate the broadcast media on the criteria of indecent material, specifically within the context of a daytime broadcast of George Carlin's "Filthy Words" monologue. The Court held that the First Amendment did not protect such indecent material in broadcasting during hours when children were likely to be in the audience.

Question 19

The justification for delegation of authority to the FCC to regulate the electronic media in 1934 was ______________________.

Accepted Answer

The justification for delegation of authority to the FCC to regulate the electronic media in 1934 was that some electronic media require broadcast frequencies that are scarce and these need to be regulated to ensure the orderly transmission of programs. This is important to ensure that the frequencies are allocated fairly and efficiently, and to prevent interference between different stations.

Question 20

Which of the following is the most basic role of the media in the United States?

Accepted Answer

The most basic role of the media in the United States is to monitor and communicate about events around the nation and world. This includes reporting on news, politics, and other important issues affecting society. While criticizing the government and gathering public opinion are also important roles of the media, they are not as fundamental as the role of simply providing information to the public. Additionally, while advertising opportunities for political candidates are a common function of media outlets during election cycles, this does not represent the primary function of the media overall. Finally, serving as an advocate and supporter of the government's programs would represent a clear bias, which is not consistent with the objective role of the media in a democratic society.

Quiz 12: The Media and American Politics