Gov Chapter 15

Mass Media

The entire array of organizations through which information is collected and disseminated to the general public

News Media

Media providing the public with new information about subjects of public interests

Yellow Journalism

A form of newspaper publishing in vogue in the late 19th century that featured pictures, comics, color, and sensationalized news coverage

Muckraking

A form of journalism, in vogue in the early 20th century devoted to exposing misconduct by government, business, and individual politicians

Narrowcasting

Targeting media programming at specific populations within society

Citizen Journalists

Ordinary individuals who collect, report, and analyze news content

On the Record

Information provided to a journalist that can be released and attributed by name to the source

Off the Record

Information provided to a journalist that will not be released to the public

On background

Information provided to a journalist that will not be attributed a named source

Deep Background

Information provided to a journalist that will not be attributed any source

Content Regulations

Limitations on the substance of mass media

Equal Time Rule

The rule that requires broadcast stations to sell air time equally to all candidates in a political campaign if they choose to sell it to any

Press Release

A document offering an official comment or position

Press Briefing

A relatively restricted session between a press secretary or aide and the press

Press Conference

An unrestricted session between an elected official and the press

Media Effects

The influence of news sources on public opinion

Agenda Setting

The process of forming the list of issues to be addressed by government

Framing

The process by which a news organization defines a political issue and consequently affects opinion about the issue