Key Terms
Media
Any communication format that shares information with the public.
Mass media
All media forms combined — TV, print, radio, Internet.
Social media
Web platforms that let users communicate instantly and share with expanding audiences. Conglomerate: a corporation made
Journalist/reporter
Finds and researches stories. Editor: assigns stories, approves content, checks accuracy.
Present
Podcast listeners in the U.S. exceed 106.7 million; 77.9 million listen weekly.
Horse-race coverage
Campaign coverage focused on who's winning rather than policy. Hypodermic theory: early idea that media content is direc
Slander
Spoken false information that harms a person or organization.
Libel
Printed false information that harms a person or organization.
Prior restraint
Government action that PREVENTS publication before it happens. The government has very limited authority to use it.
Current membership
5 commissioners (was 7 at founding).
Equal-time rule
Registered candidates must receive equal airtime opportunities at non-cable TV and radio stations starting 45 days befor
Fairness doctrine
Defunct 1949 FCC policy requiring balanced coverage of controversial issues. Fourth estate: term for media as an unoffic
Indecency regulations
Obscene material prohibited on public airwaves at all times. Indecent material restricted to 10 p.m.
Sunshine laws
Require government proceedings and documents to be made public. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA): passed 1966; signed b
Framing
Giving a news story a specific context or narrative that shapes how the audience interprets it.