Question 1

Most journalists believe that it is more important to provide entertainment to viewers and readers than it is to investigate the claims of government and politicians.

Accepted Answer

Most journalists prioritize their responsibility to inform the public with accurate and verified information rather than solely providing entertainment. Investigating claims of government and politicians helps to hold those in power accountable and ensure transparency in decision-making processes.

Question 2

The average length of time that a presidential candidate was given to talk uninterrupted in 1968 was _______; in 2004 it was ________.

Accepted Answer

According to the question, the average length of time that a presidential candidate was given to talk uninterrupted in 1968 was compared with that of 2004. The options suggest different values, and the only one that seems reasonable is option B, where in 1968 the candidates were given 43 seconds to speak, and in 2004, this time decreased to 8 seconds.

Question 3

Whereas one newspaper was sold for every two adults in 1960,by 2008 one paper was sold for every ____ adults.

Accepted Answer

The question is asking for the ratio of newspapers sold per adult, so we need to divide the number of newspapers by the number of adults. In 1960, the ratio was 1 newspaper per 2 adults or 0.5 newspapers per adult. In 2008, we are looking for the ratio of newspapers per adult, so we need to divide the number of newspapers by the number of adults. We don't have this information, but we can use the answer choices to estimate. Option C) five suggests that the ratio has decreased from 0.5 to 0.2 newspapers per adult (1 newspaper for every 5 adults). This seems like a reasonable decrease over a long period of time, so C) is the best choice. The other options suggest either a more drastic decrease (D and E) or no change at all (A and B), which don't make as much sense.

Question 4

Which of the following statements about private control of the media is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

Profit has generally led to a reduction in foreign bureaus as media organizations focus on more profitable domestic news coverage rather than expanding foreign bureaus.

Question 5

High-tech politics refers to a politics in which the behavior of citizens and policymakers and the political agenda itself are increasingly shaped by technology.

Accepted Answer

High-tech politics is characterized by the increasing use and influence of technology in the political process. This includes the use of social media, digital communication, big data analytics, and other tools that shape the behavior of citizens, policymakers, and the political agenda itself.

Question 6

An example of a major television network is

Accepted Answer

ABC is a major television network with a wide reach and significant presence in the media industry. The other options listed are not television networks but instead are media companies or news agencies.

Question 7

Specific locations from which news frequently emanates are called

Accepted Answer

Specific locations from which news frequently emanates are called "beats." A beat is a journalist's regular assignment or area of expertise, such as local politics or crime reporting. Journalists covering beats cultivate sources and contacts in those areas to stay on top of breaking news and developments.

Question 8

Which of the following is a consequence of the rise of television broadcasting?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is a consequence...

Question 9

An intentional news leak for the purpose of assessing the political reaction to that news is called a(n)

Accepted Answer

A trial balloon is a tactic used by politicians to gauge public reaction to a proposed policy or appointment by intentionally leaking information to the media in order to assess the political fallout. The term "trial balloon" refers to a balloon sent up to test atmospheric conditions, and if the response is negative, the politician can distance themselves from the proposal.

Question 10

A media event is staged for the purpose of being covered.

Accepted Answer

A media event is specifically designed and planned to attract media coverage, making it true that it is staged for the purpose of being covered.

Question 11

People who invest their political capital in an issue are called

Accepted Answer

Policy entrepreneurs are individuals who invest their political capital in promoting a particular policy or issue. They work to create public awareness and support for their cause, and may engage in advocacy, lobbying, or other forms of political activism to achieve their goals. Agenda setters may also influence public policy, but they are typically individuals or organizations with significant power and influence in the media or government. Lobbyists work to influence policy on behalf of their clients, while media conglomerates may shape public opinion through their control of news and entertainment outlets. Trial balloons are strategies used to test public reaction to potential policy ideas before they are formally proposed.

Question 12

Epstein's News from Nowhere suggests that

Accepted Answer

Epstein's "News from Nowhere" argues that TV networks prioritize entertainment value to appeal to average viewers, often at the expense of more important or sophisticated news stories.

Question 13

Up until the early 1960s,the relationship between politicians and the press was relatively cozy; that is,many reporters saw themselves as extensions of the government,accepting most of what government officials told them.

Accepted Answer

This statement accurately reflects the relationship between politicians and the press before the early 1960s.

Question 14

The relatively cozy relationship that existed between politicians and the press during the twentieth century lasted until the Vietnam War and Watergate.

Accepted Answer

The Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal led to increased skepticism and adversarial relationships between the press and politicians, marking a shift from the previously more cooperative dynamic.

Question 15

The primary interest of publicly owned media is _____________; the primary interest of privately owned media is_______________.

Accepted Answer

Publicly owned media is typically funded by the government and therefore its primary interest is serving the public interest. Privately owned media is funded by investors and advertisers, so its primary interest is making a profit.

Question 16

Research suggests that the most prominent bias in the media is a(n)_______ bias.

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that the most prominent bias in the media is an audience-driven bias. This means that media outlets cater their content to their specific audience, whether it be a liberal or conservative audience, in order to maintain their viewership and profitability.

Question 17

Newspapers published by massive media conglomerates accounting for over four-fifths of the nation's daily newspaper circulation are called

Accepted Answer

Newspapers published by massive media conglomerates are commonly known as newspaper chains. These chains usually own multiple newspapers across different regions or cities, and they control a significant portion of the nation's daily newspaper circulation.

Question 18

In 1934,Congress created the ______________ to regulate the use of the airwaves.

Accepted Answer

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was created in 1934 to regulate the use of the airwaves, including radio and television broadcasting. The FCC is responsible for allocating broadcast frequencies, enforcing decency and obscenity standards, and ensuring fair competition among broadcasters. The other options, such as the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of the Interior, are not specifically involved in regulating the airwaves.

Question 19

Increasing public attention to specific problems is a core feature of the media's ______ power.

Accepted Answer

Agenda-setting power refers to the media's ability to influence the public's perceptions of which issues are the most important or salient. This is often done by giving certain topics more coverage than others, or framing them in a particular way. The other options do not fully encompass this concept. The watchdog role implies holding those in power accountable, the investigative role involves in-depth reporting to uncover wrongdoings, the gate-keeping role is about deciding what information to allow through to the public, and the scorekeeping role involves reporting on the outcomes of various events or competitions.

Question 20

In 1989,major networks broadcast _____ minutes of foreign news; in 2000 they broadcast ____ minutes of foreign news.

Accepted Answer

In 1989, major networks broadcast 4,032 minutes of foreign news, which decreased to 1,382 minutes by 2000.

Quiz 7: The Mass Media and the Political Agenda