To what extent do the media influence your political views?
In a democracy, public opinion serves as a guide to elected officials, a guard against costly mistakes, and a kind of glue that holds us together despite our differences. While the mass media may help shape public opinion, they are also shaped by it.
Public opinion Public opinion is the sum of a large number of individual opinions. Our basic views about politics are formed early in life through political socialization. Agents of socialization include family, schools, religion, friends, and the news media.
Opinion polling Public opinion is best measured by scientific opinion polling. Accurate results depend on surveying a random but representative sample of the target population.
Mass media Americans today receive information from print, broadcast, and electronic media. The news media serve as government watchdogs, agenda setters, and forums for an exchange of views.
Political campaigns Politicians depend on both the free and paid media to reach voters during campaigns. Today, image seems as important as issues in both campaign advertising and media coverage of candidates.