Understanding Media and Media Bias

What is the primary function of mass media as a linkage institution?

• To entertain audiences

• To provide political information

• To create political forums

• To report on sports events

Which role of the media involves determining which issues become national news?

• Scorekeeper

• Watchdog

• Gatekeeper/Agenda Setter

• Commentator

What is "Horse-Race Journalism"?

• A focus on the issues at stake in political races

• Coverage that emphasizes who is winning or losing in elections

• Investigative reporting on political scandals

• A method of reporting that prioritizes entertainment

How has public trust in the media changed from 1999 to 2019 according to Gallup?

• It has increased significantly

• It has remained the same

• It has decreased

• It has fluctuated without a clear trend

What percentage of U.S. adults believe that a significant amount of news is biased?

• 41%

• 55%

• 62%

• 69%

Which of the following statements best describes "Selective Attention"?

• The tendency to ignore all news sources

• The practice of only focusing on news that aligns with personal beliefs

• The ability to critically analyze diverse news sources

• The requirement for equal air time for all candidates

Why do Republicans tend to trust the media less than Democrats, according to the 2019 Gallup data?

What is the significance of the "Equal Time Rule"?

• It ensures that all news stories are reported equally

• It mandates that all candidates receive equal air time during elections

• It prevents media from reporting on political candidates

• It allows media to prioritize certain candidates over others

In what way has the rise of social media impacted news consumption?

• It has decreased the diversity of news sources

• It has made people more trusting of the news

• It has increased the number of platforms from which people get news

• It has eliminated traditional news outlets

What is one potential consequence of the increasing skepticism toward the media?

• Higher levels of public engagement in political discourse

• A decline in the quality of investigative journalism

• Greater trust in government institutions

• A more informed citizenry