Changing Media - AP Government and Politics

Mass media are diverse platforms for disseminating information to a large audience. Includes TV, radio, newspapers, and digital platforms reaching broad audiences.

Agenda-setting is a primary function of media in politics. Media determines which issues receive public attention and priority.

Media scrutinize government actions and expose misconduct. Acts as independent oversight to ensure government accountability.

Framing describes media's influence on public perception. How media presents information shapes how audiences understand issues.

Selective exposure is choosing media that align with existing beliefs. People seek information that confirms their preexisting viewpoints.

Media bias is the term for biased presentation of news. When journalists or outlets favor particular perspectives over objectivity.

Fake news is false information presented as news. Deliberately misleading content designed to deceive audiences.

Echo chamber refers to environments reinforcing existing views. Insulated environments where similar opinions are repeatedly shared.

The First Amendment protects freedom of the press. Guarantees media freedom from government censorship and control.

Increased accessibility and speed of information dissemination. Digital platforms allow instant global information sharing.

Narrowcasting targets media messages to specific segments. Opposite of broadcasting; focuses on niche audiences with specific interests.

Social media facilitate direct communication between politicians and the public. Platforms bypass traditional media for unfiltered political messaging.

Print media is traditionally known for investigative journalism. Newspapers and magazines excel at in-depth research and analysis.

Citizen journalism is news reporting by non-professionals. Ordinary people using digital tools to report news events.

Infotainment refers to media combining information and entertainment. Blends serious news with entertaining presentation to attract audiences.

Reduced diversity of viewpoints is a consequence of media consolidation. Fewer companies control more outlets, limiting editorial diversity.

The digital divide is the gap between those with and without internet access. Inequality in technology access creates information disparities.

Sensationalism describes exaggerated media coverage of events. Dramatic presentation designed to increase audience engagement and ratings.

Media agenda-setting influences public focus on certain issues. Media coverage determines what topics the public considers important.

Advertising is the primary revenue source for most media outlets. Commercial funding model influences content and editorial decisions.

Increased accessibility to diverse content is a benefit of media convergence. Multiple platforms merge to provide varied content in one location.

Broadcast media is most associated with real-time reporting. TV and radio excel at live coverage of breaking news events.

Media saturation is the overwhelming presence of media in daily life. Constant exposure to media messages in all aspects of life.

Media disseminate cultural norms and values. Media content influences societal values and behavioral expectations.

Misinformation is a significant challenge posed by digital media. False information spreads rapidly through digital platforms and social networks.

Media can exacerbate political polarization by reinforcing biases. Separate media sources can intensify partisan divisions.

Media connect the public with policymakers and vice versa. Media facilitate communication between government and citizens.

The internet significantly changed media consumption. Digital platforms revolutionized how people access and consume information.

Media inform the public about candidates and issues during elections. Media coverage influences voter knowledge and candidate perceptions.