Political Communication and the Media Free Online FlashCards

What is a media system?

A media system is the institutional structure through which news and political information are produced, distributed, regulated, and consumed.

How do commercial-pluralist and public-service media differ?

Commercial-pluralist systems rely mainly on privately owned outlets competing for audiences and advertising revenue, while public-service systems emphasize publicly supported broadcasting, universal access, accuracy, and political balance.

What is the difference between media diversity and media independence?

Media diversity means many outlets or viewpoints exist; media independence means outlets can operate without improper control by owners, governments, regulators, or other powerful actors.

What is agenda-setting?

Agenda-setting is the media’s influence over which issues receive public attention, making repeatedly covered topics seem more politically urgent.

What defines propaganda?

Propaganda is systematic communication organized to shape beliefs or behavior in favor of a political cause, government, movement, or organization.

What is scapegoating?

Scapegoating blames a minority, foreign state, or political opposition for complex problems, directing public anger toward a selected target.

How does prior restraint differ from post-publication punishment?

Prior restraint prevents publication before information is released, whereas post-publication punishment penalizes journalists or publishers after publication.

What distinguishes misinformation from disinformation?

Misinformation is false or misleading information shared without an intention to deceive; disinformation is false or misleading information deliberately disseminated to deceive or manipulate.

What makes a political survey reliable?

A reliable survey requires a representative sample, carefully worded questions, and disclosure of its methods.

What is algorithmic amplification?

Algorithmic amplification occurs when platforms increase the visibility of content, often rewarding attention-grabbing material such as anger, fear, novelty, or conflict.

What is framing in political communication?

Framing is the way media shape how an issue is interpreted by emphasizing particular labels, causes, values, or consequences.

What does FIMI describe?

FIMI means foreign information manipulation and interference: coordinated, intentional, manipulative activity by state or nonstate actors that threatens political processes, public trust, or democratic institutions.