Question 1

Electronic media are outpacing print media as Americans' primary source of news and information.

Accepted Answer

According to a 2018 Pew Research Center survey, 43% of Americans reported getting their news online, compared to 16% who preferred print newspapers. This trend has been increasing in recent years, with electronic media increasingly becoming Americans' primary source of news and information.

Question 2

The rise of the "information society" has contributed to an overall increase in American's political knowledge; we have become an "informed society."

Accepted Answer

Despite increased access to information, studies show that overall political knowledge has not significantly increased, as people often consume information that aligns with their existing beliefs.

Question 3

Research indicates that public opinion remains constant even when news coverage changes.

Accepted Answer

Public opinion can be influenced by changes in news coverage, as media can shape perceptions and highlight different aspects of issues.

Question 4

Advertising revenue for online editions of print newspapers has proven to be a solid source of income and support,making up more than 50 percent of newspapers' total take from advertising.

Accepted Answer

Online advertising revenue for print newspapers typically does not make up more than 50% of their total advertising revenue, as print advertising still often constitutes a significant portion of their income.

Question 5

A common complaint about talking heads on broadcast television is that they offer "boring" coverage of events.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Many viewers find the commentary of talking heads on broadcast television to be dull and lacking in depth or meaningful analysis.

Question 6

Through the use of blogs,American citizens are able to challenge media interpretations of political events.

Accepted Answer

Blogs provide a platform for individuals to express their own perspectives and opinions on political events, giving them the ability to challenge and offer alternative interpretations to mainstream media coverage. This can lead to a more diverse and nuanced understanding of political events, as well as increased accountability for media outlets.

Question 7

Newspaper circulation has increased over the last several decades.

Accepted Answer

Newspaper circulation has been steadily declining since the 1980s due to the rise of digital media and online news sources.

Question 8

Rather than shaping what Americans think,the media more likely shape what American think about.

Accepted Answer

The media generally do not have the power to directly dictate what people think, but they can influence what topics and perspectives people think about through their coverage and the framing of issues.

Question 9

Research suggests that most Americans believe press criticism of political leaders does more good than harm.

Accepted Answer

According to a survey by Pew Research Center, 72% of Americans believe that criticism of political leaders by news organizations "keeps them from doing things that should not be done," while only 25% believe it "prevents leaders from doing their job." Therefore, it can be concluded that most Americans believe press criticism of political leaders does more good than harm.

Question 10

The Internet is more purposive than TV; that is,what people see is the product of their own intentional choices.

Accepted Answer

People actively choose what websites they visit and what content they consume on the internet, whereas TV viewers are subjected to the programming schedule of channels and often have limited choices in terms of what they watch. Thus, the internet is more purposive than TV.

Question 11

The watchdog orientation of the press is best characterized as neither liberal nor conservative but as reformist.

Accepted Answer

The watchdog orientation of the press is about holding those in power accountable and exposing corruption or wrongdoing. This approach transcends political ideologies and is focused on reforming institutions and promoting transparency. Therefore, it is best characterized as reformist rather than liberal or conservative.

Question 12

The amount of time news broadcasts devote to foreign news has increased dramatically over the last couple of decades.

Accepted Answer

The trend has generally been a decrease in foreign news coverage on major news broadcasts, as they often focus more on domestic issues and stories with higher viewer interest.

Question 13

In many other countries,major television outlets are owned by the government.

Accepted Answer

It is true that in many countries major television outlets are owned by the government, either fully or partially. For example, in China, the state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) is fully owned and operated by the government. In India, the national broadcaster Doordarshan is owned by the government, while in Brazil, the government partially owns TV Brasil. However, it's important to note that this is not the case in all countries, as there are many privately-owned TV channels in countries such as the US and the UK.

Question 14

The FCC's licensing authority stipulates that broadcasters must serve the public interest.

Accepted Answer

The FCC requires broadcasters to serve the public interest as part of their licensing requirement. This means that they must provide programming that serves the needs and interests of their community, including news, educational material, public affairs programming, and more. Failure to serve the public interest can result in penalties or even loss of the broadcasting license.

Question 15

Research suggests that 40 percent of journalists describe themselves as leaning left,compared to only 25 percent who say they lean toward the right.

Accepted Answer

This statement is supported by research and has been reported by various reputable sources such as Pew Research Center and Politico.

Question 16

The media are always monopolized by political elites.

Accepted Answer

The media landscape is diverse and includes various independent and non-political entities, though political elites may exert significant influence in some contexts.

Question 17

According to FCC regulations,no single owner may control more than 35 percent of the broadcast market.

Accepted Answer

This is true according to the FCC regulations. However, there are some exceptions and waivers available in certain circumstances.

Question 18

In media coverage of contemporary political events,the typical sound bite is 30 seconds.

Accepted Answer

The typical sound bite in media coverage is often much shorter, usually around 7 to 10 seconds.

Question 19

Policy entrepreneurs are people who invest "political capital" in an issue.

Accepted Answer

Policy entrepreneurs are individuals who use their political skills, connections, and resources to bring attention to a particular issue and generate support or change. They invest their political capital, which refers to the trust, goodwill, and influence they have built up over time among political elites, interest groups, the media, and the public.

Question 20

Narrowcasting refers to politicians' exclusive use of television in communicating with constituents.

Accepted Answer

Narrowcasting refers to the practice of targeting a specific audience or demographic with tailored messages, which can be done through various media channels beyond just television, such as social media or email. It is not exclusively related to politicians' use of television.

Quiz 7: The Mass Media and the Political Agenda