Wilson Chapter 12 Media

The suspicious attitude of the national press toward public officials.

The current era of media coverage that seizes upon any bit of information or rumor that might call into question the qualifications or character of a public official.

A tactic by government officials to win journalistic friends. The official discusses current policy on condition that the source of the information not be identified by name.

Reporters' keeping sources of their stories secret. Most states and the federal government allow courts to decide whether the need of a journalist to protect sources outweighs the interests of the government in gathering evidence in a criminal investigation.

An FCC regulation requiring that if a station sells time to one candidate seeking an office, it must sell time to the opposing candidate as well.

An FCC rule, abolished in 1987, that required broadcasters to give time to opposing views if they broadcast one side of a controversial issue.

A type of news story that involves a public event not routinely covered by reporters and that requires a reporter to take initiative to select the story and persuade an editor to run it.

An agency of the federal government with authority to develop regulations for the broadcast media.

The role played by the media in influencing what subjects become national political issues and for how long.

A type of news story that involves information not usually made public which requires investigative work on the part of a reporter or a leak by some public official.

The use of words to persuade people of something without actually making a clear argument for it.

The area reached by a station's television signal.

The attitude of a person who ignores messages from radio or television which do not agree with his or her existing beliefs.

A journalist who investigates the activities of public officials and organizations, especially business firms, seeking to expose and publicize misconduct or corruption. Also referred to as an investigative reporter.

Newspapers created, sponsored, and controlled by political parties to further their interests. This form of press existed in the early years of the American republic. Circulation was chiefly among political and commercial elites.