Name- Harry Goldin Date Class

Chapter 12 - Media Questions 1. In general, how does American media differ from that of England and France?

American media has much greater freedom Only need a licence from the government In England politicians can sue people who make fun of them In france broadcasting is regulated by a national agency

2.

Define the terms yellow journalism and muckrakers. Yellow journalism reporting which has no real thought out arguments or resaerch Muckrakers-people who wanted to expose the dirt and evil in society

3.

How have the characteristics of the electronic media and the Internet affected the actions of public officials and candidates for national office? The characteristics allowed for a high degree of contact between candidate and the people. There was no longer a need for prxies or people to campaign and speak on your behalf

4.

What does the book conclude about the degree of competition in the media? Although there are over 1000 TV channels, there are only five major stations. Each one catering to a different set of beliefs

5.

What is the impact of the national press? Define the roles of the national media as gatekeeper, scorekeeper, and watchdog. Provide examples for each.

The national press can play the role of the gatekeeper by deciding what topics and stories get attention

It can also be the scorekeeper by keeping track of and helping to make national reputations.

The press can be the watchdog, exposing scandals and corruption when and where needed

6.

Summarize the rules regulating the media and the government including the following: prior restraint, libel, confidentiality of sources, FCC regulations, Telecommunications Act (1996), Equal time rule, Right-of-reply rule, political editorializing rule, fairness doctrine. a paper CAN be sued if it is libelous or obscene or if it incites someone to commit an illegal act Its illegal to use printed words to advocate the violent overthrow of the govt TV stations must renew their licenses ever five years while radio stations do so every seven years The Equal Time Rule states that if a station sells time to one candidate, it must be willing to sell equal time to all other candidates. The Right-of-Reply Rule states that if a person is attacked on a broadcast program (not regular news), he can reply on that same program. The Political Editorializing Rule states that if a broadcaster endorses a candidate, the opposing candidate(s) has/have the right to reply For many years, there WAS the fairness doctrine, in which broadcasters had to discuss both sides of a controversial issue, but in 1987, the FCC abolished that rule because if felt that it inhibited the free discussion of issues; many broadcasters still follow it voluntarily.

7.

Summarize what the book says about the effects of the media on politics. Local newspapers have generally picked Republican candidates over Democrats The media also sets agendas on issues that have little effect on people Viewers of different types of media have different opinions The media does have SOME effect on the public as to what is important and who is the best candidate.

8.

How does press coverage of the president and of Congress differ? White House has press corps Congress has C-SPAN

9.

What does the book say concerning press bias? The press members have their own opinions and agendas to push to the public. Therefore, they will present information which suits their needs.

10.

Why does American government have so many leaks? each branch of govt has different power, and those different branches compete for power by leaking news so that one can seem more powerful than another.

11.

Why do people have an increasing lack of confidence in the media? Summarize all the reasons that the book gives. After Clintons campaign when the press bombarded him with all hisd flaws, people began to realize what the press was trying to do. As a result people began not to trust the press as much, seeing as they unearthed the bias.