Edwards, Lineberry Chp. 7

The president is most likely to receive media coverage because they hold the highest position of power in the country. As the head of the executive branch, their actions and decisions have a significant impact on the nation. The president's role in shaping policies, leading the government, and representing the country both domestically and internationally makes them a primary focus of media attention. Their speeches, public appearances, and policy announcements are closely followed by journalists and reported extensively, resulting in extensive media coverage.

Investigative journalism often leads to increased news coverage of scandals. Investigative journalists are known for their in-depth research and reporting, which often uncovers hidden information and exposes corruption or wrongdoing. When these scandals are brought to light, news outlets tend to give them more coverage, as they are considered newsworthy and of public interest. This increased coverage helps to inform the public about important issues and hold those responsible accountable.

A journalist who regularly reports on predictions about interest rates would probably be on the Federal Reserve Board beat. The Federal Reserve Board is responsible for setting monetary policy in the United States, including decisions about interest rates. Therefore, a journalist covering this beat would have access to information and experts who can provide insights and predictions about interest rate changes.

Narrow-casting refers to the practice of targeting specific audiences with tailored messages. The answer suggests that as narrow-casting becomes more prevalent, the gap between the political elite and the politically uninformed majority will increase. This is because narrow-casting allows politicians to avoid the public eye and cater their messages to specific groups, potentially leaving the uninformed majority with limited access to diverse political perspectives. As a result, the political elite may have more influence and power, while the majority remains less informed and engaged in political matters.

The correct answer is "superficial." This means that most news coverage lacks depth or thoroughness. It suggests that news articles often provide only a surface-level understanding of the topic, without delving into the complexities or providing in-depth analysis.

The primary objective of the American media is to make a profit. This means that their main focus is on generating revenue and maximizing financial gains through various means such as advertising, subscriptions, and partnerships. While informing the public and accurately depicting public policy debates are important aspects of media, their ultimate goal is to ensure profitability and financial success.

The given answer states that journalists consider themselves more liberal than the general public. This implies that journalists tend to have left-leaning political views compared to the average population. This could be due to various factors such as the profession attracting individuals with liberal ideologies or the influence of media organizations that may have a liberal bias. However, it is important to note that this statement does not imply that journalists' coverage of politics is necessarily biased towards liberalism.

The agenda-setting effect refers to the media's ability to influence what issues are considered important by the public. Statement I is true because the agenda-setting effect can shape the criteria that citizens use to evaluate political leaders. Statement II is true because uninformed citizens are more susceptible to the media's agenda-setting effect. However, statement III is not true as the agenda-setting effect does not directly determine how Americans vote. Therefore, the correct answer is I and II only.

Newspapers would be the most likely medium for a political candidate to reach the most politically informed Americans in the electorate. Newspapers are traditionally seen as a reliable source of news and information, attracting readers who are more engaged and politically informed. Unlike television or radio, newspapers offer more in-depth and detailed coverage of political issues, allowing candidates to deliver their message effectively to an audience that is actively seeking political information. While the internet has gained popularity in recent years, newspapers still hold a significant influence among politically engaged individuals.

The statement that the media's tendency to focus on sound bites allows politicians to avoid an in-depth discussion of issues is accurate. Sound bites are short, catchy statements that are easily quotable and can be used to convey a specific message or soundbite to the public. By focusing on sound bites, the media may prioritize sensationalism and brevity over in-depth analysis, which can lead to a lack of substantive discussion on important issues. This allows politicians to avoid providing detailed explanations or engaging in comprehensive debates, potentially limiting the public's understanding of complex topics.