AP Gov Chapter 9 Vocab
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. Example: Polling is a way of making the election into a horse race.
Fairness Doctrine
A doctrine of the FCC requiring media outlets to broadcast controversial and important topics without spin and in a balanced manner. Example: When Bill O'Reilly has a democrat on his show and they present both sides of the political debate they are representing a perfect example of the Fairness Doctrine in action.
FCC
Federal Communications Commission is a government funded group that regulates what is put on television and radio, etc. Example: The FCC can take people off the air if they are promoting messages that are considered crude or dangerous.
Selective Exposure
Individuals choosing to access media with which they agree or avoiding media with which they disagree Example: Liberals that only watch CNN are practicing selective exposure.
24/7 News Cycle
News is now constantly updated and presented via Internet sites like the New York Times or Wall Street Journal and cable news sources like CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC Example: I can go online to a news site or even on twitter and see news going all the time. I am constantly updated.
Partisan Journalism
Journalism in which the journalist or network presents their personal opinions and views on the news, only covering what feeds their personal agenda. Example: Journalism lately has become much more partisan, covering their own agendas instead of what actually is happening.
Mass media
Means the communication that reach the public, including newspapers and magazines, radio, television, films, recordings, books, and electronic communication Example: Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC are all mass media outlets.
News Media
Media that emphasizes the news. Example: CNN and Fox News are news networks, they produce news media.
Selective Perception
The process by which individuals perceive what they want in media messages. Example: I only take in the things I want to hear when I watch the news.
