Chapter 7: The Mass Media And The Political Agenda

The correct answer is the Federal Communications Commission. In 1934, Congress created this commission to regulate the use of the airwaves. The Federal Communications Commission is responsible for overseeing radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable communications in the United States. They ensure that these industries operate in the public interest and promote competition while protecting consumers.

The Reagan White House's strategies for news management included planning ahead, staying on the offensive, repeating the same message many times, and speaking in one voice. However, allowing the press unlimited access to the president was not part of their strategies. This means that the Reagan White House did not prioritize giving the press unrestricted access to the president, and instead focused on controlling the narrative and message through careful planning and consistent messaging.

Ronald Reagan is the correct answer because he was known for his exceptional communication skills and ability to connect with the media. He was a former actor, which gave him experience in public speaking and performing. Reagan utilized his charisma and charm to effectively communicate his policies and ideas to the American public, gaining widespread support. He was often referred to as the "Great Communicator" and was able to use the media to his advantage, shaping public opinion and maintaining a positive image throughout his presidency.

Investigative journalism refers to the practice of using detective-like reporting methods to uncover scandals or expose wrongdoing. This type of journalism involves in-depth research, interviews, and analysis to dig deeper into a story and reveal hidden truths. It often involves extensive research and fact-checking to ensure accuracy and credibility. Yellow journalism, trial balloons, scientific journalism, and print journalism are not specifically focused on uncovering scandals or using investigative techniques.

The cozy relationship between politicians and the press in the twentieth century lasted until the Vietnam War and Watergate. During this time, the press had generally maintained a positive relationship with politicians, often portraying them in a favorable light. However, the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal brought significant changes to this relationship. The press became more critical and investigative, exposing government lies and corruption. These events marked a turning point in the relationship between politicians and the press, leading to increased scrutiny and a more adversarial dynamic.

A trial balloon is an intentional news leak that is used to gauge the political reaction to a particular piece of news. It is a strategy often employed by politicians or government officials to test public opinion or assess the potential impact of a policy or decision before officially announcing it. By leaking the news and observing the response, they can make informed decisions on whether to proceed or make adjustments. This tactic allows them to gauge public sentiment without committing to a specific course of action.

The New York Times is considered the nation's most influential newspaper and its unofficial "newspaper of record" due to its extensive coverage of national and international news, its reputation for journalistic integrity, and its long history of setting the agenda for public discourse. The newspaper has won numerous Pulitzer Prizes and has a large readership both in print and online, making it a trusted source of news for many Americans.

In 1952, Richard Nixon delivered a televised speech to save his vice presidential candidacy. In this speech, he denied having received illegal gifts and payments. He also mentioned that the family dog, Checkers, although a gift, would not be returned. This speech became famous and is often referred to as the "Checkers speech."

This answer suggests that there was a discrepancy in the perception of the debate outcome between those who watched it on television and those who listened to it on the radio. According to the opinion polls, those who watched on television believed that Kennedy had won, while those who listened over the radio believed that Nixon had won. This indicates that the visual aspect of the debate, which was only available to television viewers, influenced their perception of the candidates' performance.

Franklin Roosevelt held one thousand press conferences, which is more than any other president.