Question 1

a)      Public opinion is an approach, reaction or idea that someone gives about a particular issue. Majorly one’s political opinion can be significantly swayed by the media. There are several ways of advertisements that are used to pass specific messages to the public. Public opinion can affect policy both positively and negatively. However, it depends on the general view of the people on the policy.

b)       There are four main impacts of public opinion. They include Agenda Setting is how the media makes the public aware of salient information and drives towards specific topics such that the public views the issues as necessary. Hence creating an agenda. For example, during the campaigns, it is not assured that the media can change the support of a particular candidate however bringing up specific issues more often can lead to frequent conversations that are about or against the issues that are more essential to the candidate and the public. Framing this is how the media bring to the attention of certain public events and brings heavy meaning to them. This is the most influencing method that the media can use to impact public opinion because it determines how the public will understand and influence it. For example, How the media will report on a particular issue will give the public a final point of view. Such that they can only see from the angle of the press framing the interpretation. It may be a candidate being reported on his views or the dangers of the budget proposal that is about to be executed, or even the questioning of certain pharmaceuticals. Having such reports, the media gives the public a specific interpretation on the issue both now and in the future. Priming The press offers a perspective for a certain incident and conversation on the same problem giving the audience understanding. For example: Mostly the media is responsible for showcasing events such as world cup, or the Olympics. This subjects the public to nothing else other than watching some of these occasions. This type of persistent reports makes the public partially have an interest in sports of which some of them were not at never interested.

c)      The government should consider reinstating fairness doctrine to promote honesty and quality news. For example, some of the media platforms are being used to support violence due to their biasness and lies that they bring to the people. However, with the doctrine back there will be assurance on the truthfulness of the news promoting peace and justice. As well fairness doctrine should be reinstated to endorse improved way in to the open about the divisive subject. For example, if there is an issue that brings about controversy every side is given a chance to put across their views. It should not be necessarily the same period but what is more important is that both have been given an opportunity. This will ensure equality and promote peace as well.

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