AP GOV chapter 10

mass media

television, radio, newspapers, magazines, the Internet, and other means of popular communication.

horse race

A close contest; by extension, any contest in which the focus is on who is ahead and by how much rather than on substantive differences between the candidates.

news media

Media that emphasize the news.

political socialization

the process by which people gain their political attitudes and opinions

fairness doctrine

Federal Communications Commission policy that required holders of radio and television licenses to ensure that different viewpoints were presented about controversial issues or persons; largely repealed in 1987

issue advocacy

Promoting a particular position or an issue paid for by interest groups or individuals but not candidates. Much issue advocacy is often electioneering for or against a candidate, and until 2004 had not been subject to any regulation.

selective perception

The process by which individuals perceive what they want to in media messages.

selective exposure

The process by which individuals screen out messages that do not conform to their own biases