Question 1

What best characterizes the "watchdog" role of the U.S. media?

Accepted Answer

The "watchdog" role of the U.S. media refers to their responsibility to monitor and investigate the actions of government officials and institutions, and to expose any illegal or unethical behavior to the public. This helps to ensure transparency and accountability in government, and to prevent abuses of power. Option E best characterizes this role, as it specifically refers to the media warning the public of such actions. Option A is also partially correct, as educating the public on controversial issues can also be a part of the media's watchdog role, but it is not as comprehensive as option E. Options B and C are incorrect as they focus on different aspects of the media's role in informing the public, and option D is not as indicative of the watchdog role, as it only addresses a specific type of government action.

Question 2

Which of the following phrases characterizes the concern that media corporations are so large, powerful, and interconnected that the less economically and politically powerful are not heard?

Accepted Answer

The phrase "media monopoly" best characterizes the concern that media corporations are so large, powerful, and interconnected that the less economically and politically powerful are not heard. Monopoly refers to the exclusive possession or control of the supply of or trade in a commodity or service, which in this case is the dissemination of information and news to the public through media outlets. When media corporations become so large and powerful that they control the flow of information, it can lead to a lack of diversity in views and perspectives and limit the voices of those who are not part of the dominant economic or political class.

Question 3

The First Amendment includes which provision(s) about the United States press?

Accepted Answer

The First Amendment explicitly protects the press from government interference and censorship, providing broad protection for the press to report on and criticize government actions without fear of retaliation or punishment. This protection stems from the recognition of the press as a crucial check on the power of the government and an essential component of a free society.

Question 4

Which of the following accurately describes part of the Obama administration's relationship with the press?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following accurately describes part...

Question 5

The media are often criticized for __________.

Accepted Answer

The media are often criticized for bias in their reporting, whether it's political bias, ideological bias, or simply sensationalism. This can undermine their credibility and make it difficult for people to trust them. While other issues, such as poor credibility and focus on positive stories, may also be concerns, bias is a more commonly cited critique.

Question 6

Which statement about U.S. foreign news coverage is the most accurate?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which statement about U.S. foreign news coverage...

Question 7

How did the framing of television news coverage affect the way Americans viewed the Hurricane Katrina disaster?

Accepted Answer

Television news coverage framed whites who were searching for food as foragers, but framed blacks who were doing the same as looters. This resulted in negative stereotypes of black victims and perpetuated racial biases.

Question 8

Which of the following statements about the tendencies of the mainstream media in the U.S. is true?

Accepted Answer

Mainstream media in the U.S. often focuses on sensational news stories or entertainment, rather than contextualizing political issues and educating citizens about government policies.

Question 9

Which of the following is evidence of modern conservative bias in the media?

Accepted Answer

Large, pro-establishment corporations tend to support conservative policies and politicians, and they own most media outlets. This ownership can influence the way that news is presented and the stories that are covered. Additionally, there have been studies that show that journalists have a tendency to adopt more conservative viewpoints over time, which could also contribute to a bias in coverage. However, it is important to note that not all media outlets and journalists exhibit conservative bias, and that bias can also come in the form of omission or selective reporting.

Question 10

What does the failure to cover the Downing Street memo say about the U.S. press??

Accepted Answer

The failure to cover the Downing Street memo suggests that the U.S. press favors domestic stories and sources over foreign ones. It may be due to a bias towards prioritizing stories that resonate more with the American public or a lack of resources and interest in international news.

Question 11

What is framing?

Accepted Answer

Framing is the way in which news outlets present a story, including the language used and the context given, which can affect how people interpret the information. This can influence their opinions and attitudes on the subject.

Question 12

Where is freedom of the press guaranteed?

Accepted Answer

Freedom of the press is guaranteed in the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, which states that Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech or of the press.

Question 13

In 2006, roughly three years after the U.S. invasion of Iraq, a New York Times story with a revelation about what went largely unreported on the major television news outlets?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In 2006, roughly three years after the...

Question 14

Which of the following accurately describes recent changes in how news is reported?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following accurately describes recent...

Question 15

How did the media respond to the report that Dick Cheney had shot a man in the face?

Accepted Answer

The media covered the story frequently and in great detail over several days. The incident received widespread coverage and drew criticism from some for how the story was initially handled with delays in getting information out to the public. It was a major news story, with reporters demanding answers about what had happened and why it took so long for the details to come to light.

Question 16

Cable news has __________.

Accepted Answer

According to the passage, cable news has passed network news as the primary source of television news.

Question 17

How must U.S. citizens get information and politics and policies?

Accepted Answer

The best way for U.S. citizens to get accurate and objective information about politics and policies is through multiple news media sources. This includes newspapers, television news, websites, and social media. It is important to seek out diverse perspectives and fact-check information before forming opinions or making decisions.

Question 18

Which statement best characterizes the role of the Internet as a source of news?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which statement best characterizes the role of...

Question 19

Which of the following gave the most thorough and sustained coverage of the Downing Street memo?

Accepted Answer

The Downing Street memo, a document that revealed discussions on the legality and planning of the Iraq war, received its most thorough and sustained coverage in the blogosphere. Traditional media outlets were criticized for their initial lack of attention to the memo, but bloggers and online communities delved deeply into its implications, discussed its authenticity, and pressured mainstream media to cover the story more extensively.

Question 20

Inside information given to a journalist or media outlet by a government official is known as a(n)__________.

Accepted Answer

A leak is defined as giving confidential information to the media, usually by a government official or employee. A is incorrect because spin refers to presenting information in a biased or favorable way. B and D are not commonly used terms in this context. E refers to revealing someone's hidden identity or personal details.

Quiz 6: The News Media