Question 1

Individual news bureaus range in size from several staffers for the Associated Press and the larger newspapers to one-person operations for smaller organizations.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true.

Question 2

"The concern about statehouse coverage-indeed, about newspaper retrenchment in general-is not just the declining number of reporters, but deterioration in the quality of journalism," wrote Professor Paul Starr.

Accepted Answer

The statement directly states that the concern is about declining quality of journalism, not just the number of reporters.

Question 3

For the most part, Texas newspapers have failed to maintain considerable editorial autonomy under national management.

Accepted Answer

Many Texas newspapers, even under national management, have managed to maintain a significant level of editorial autonomy, often reflecting local concerns and perspectives in their editorial content.

Question 4

How have growing media conglomerates changed the face of Texas based mass media? In what ways has the quality of news outlets changed as a result?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How have growing media conglomerates changed the...

Question 5

Discuss at least two of the more significant changes in the ownership patterns of Texas newspapers, including the consequences of these changes.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss at least two of the more...

Question 6

Despite the media's efforts, only a small percentage of Texans attempt to keep up with what their elected officials in Austin are doing.

Accepted Answer

The sentence explicitly states that only a small percentage of Texans try to keep up with their elected officials in Austin, indicating that it is true that only a small percentage attempt to do so.

Question 7

There are about 160 television stations in fifty markets in Texas.

Accepted Answer

There are not 160 television stations in Texas; the number is significantly lower. Texas has several major markets, but the total number of stations is not as high as 160.

Question 8

Individuals and groups argue that the media are biased.What evidence can you offer to support or negate these claims? Discuss the extent to which you believe the Texas media to be biased and give specific examples to support your view.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Individuals and groups argue that the media...

Question 9

What role do the media play in the policymaking process? Discuss the media's role, giving specific examples.

Accepted Answer

The answer of What role do the media play in...

Question 10

Public relation firms help politicians by spinning their messages to put the candidate in the best possible light, sometimes skewing figures that make the message partially untrue.

Accepted Answer

Public relation firms often manipulate or frame information to present their client in the most positive way, including potentially skewing figures or selectively presenting data. This can result in a message that is partially untrue or misleading.

Question 11

With the proliferation of news sources in recent years, is there any indication that today's voters are better informed and more attentive to politics and current events than past voters? Explain.

Accepted Answer

The answer of With the proliferation of news sources in...

Question 12

The Internet blogs covering and commenting on state government and politics in recent years are more objective than other media.

Accepted Answer

There is no empirical evidence to suggest that internet blogs covering state government and politics are more objective than other media. The objectivity of any media outlet, regardless of platform, depends on various factors such as editorial standards, ownership, funding, and biases of individual authors or contributors. While some internet blogs may provide unique perspectives or in-depth analysis, they can also be highly partisan or ideological. As with any media source, it's important to critically evaluate the credibility and accuracy of the information presented.

Question 13

News coverage has changed significantly in the past forty years; television has become the major source of news for most Texans.

Accepted Answer

With the rise of cable news networks and the internet, television has become the primary source of news for most Americans, including Texans, over the past four decades. This marks a significant change from the dominance of print newspapers in the past.

Question 14

Younger Texans are less likely to follow news coverage of state and local politics.Many scholars feel that democracy depends on a well-informed electorate.List and explain two consequences of this trend.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Younger Texans are less likely to follow...

Question 15

Briefly describe the media's influence over the ethical conduct of public officials.How do journalistic ethics vary among different types of media?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Briefly describe the media's influence over the...

Question 16

Legislators and public officials are very closemouthed so it is difficult for the Capitol press corps to get information for stories.

Accepted Answer

Legislators and public officials often communicate with the press to share information, influence public opinion, or address constituents' concerns, making it possible for the Capitol press corps to gather information for stories.

Question 17

Describe at least three ways in which modern political campaigns are shaped by the mass media.Give specific examples that compare modern campaigns and the modern media to past campaigns and earlier types of media.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe at least three ways in which...

Question 18

Explain the open meetings and public information laws.Explain how these laws help the media do their jobs.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the open meetings and public information...

Question 19

Newspapers can more thoroughly explain a pending issue, its history, and possible options for its resolution than can the electronic media.

Accepted Answer

Newspapers often have more space and time to dedicate to in-depth coverage and analysis of a particular issue or event, allowing them to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the topic than electronic media, which may only have limited time or space for a news segment. Additionally, newspapers may be able to provide historical background and context on the issue, along with expert opinions and possible solutions.

Question 20

Many contend that Texas citizens are not well informed about state government and issues.If true, what kind of future do you predict for Texas if the public's attentiveness to policymaking remains as it is today? Give specific examples to support your view.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Many contend that Texas citizens are not...

Quiz 5: The mass media in texas politics