第二单元课文-练习答案

Lesson 4 Page 49Answers to the QuestionsV. 1. C 2. A 3. A 4. D 5. CVI.1. The author thinks so because New Hampshire is a politically active state. From the interplay of candidates and the press to the frenetic energy of campaign volunteers, no other state provides as many opportunities to see politics in action.2. The aim of the course was to see and learn about as many political candidates as possible and observe their relationships with media and potential voters.3. Politics and media are clearly intertwined in shaping the national political agenda. What makes the relationship even more complex is a greater public voice utilizing various means to engage citizen participants in the unfolding story.4. As the multitude of channels that bombard us on a daily basis and inundate them with messages from all directions, the impact of any single message is often diffused as audiences selectively tune in and pay attention to only certain messages.5. According to early deterministic theories, media were all-powerful and capable of shaping human behavior in significant ways.6. Major corporations’ control of the media has the following two impacts. First, it underscores the fact that most media outlets are profit-generating enterprises and maintain stock holders. Therefore, creating news coverage that can enhance ratings and increase viewership is always the first goal. Furthermore, these profit-making goals often directly contrast with the requirements of responsible, objective journalism. A second impact is the lack of diversity. As corporation ownership narrows, power lies in the hands of a few, making it difficult for diverse voices to be heard. These monopolies tend to create a mainstream mentality that makes it especially difficult for marginalized voices to gain publicity.7. The bloggers are often called “the Sixth Estate” because they exert great influence on politics. They can provide an added level of transparency to the process and transform how the public access and absorb political news. Through careful fact-checking, scathing critiques, and dialogue, these web journals written by journalists, professors, and average citizens provide another layer of influence as they attempt to ensure that political claims are substantiated and well-developed.8. Through email and websites, candidates can often bypass traditional media and directly interact with the public in an electronic form of direct mail that is relatively inexpensive and far more expedient. Candidates and their surrogates send daily e-mail messages to supporters and potential voters, keeping them apprised of critical moments, popularity surges, and the need to send more money to maintain momentum. Websites generate armies of political supporters willing to give money and work locally for their candidates. Electronic bulletin boards keep voters informed about candidate sightings and other political events. These technological developments and candidates’ ability to embrace the new technologies will help the public to become more interested in elections.9. According to the author, the victory pose of the two leaders illustrates the role visual power has in establishing authority and credibility for the incoming president. The uncritical coverage of Medvedev angered many bloggers as they attempted to identify the characteristics of Medvedev and his relationship with Putin, while also pointing out the merits of other political candidates.10. Kenya’s blogging community has been playing a highly vibrant role in the country’s politics. Over 60 blog sites devoted specifically to the Kenyan election process discuss the violence and unrest that has resulted from perceived fraudulent activities, involving vote tabulations that put incumbent president Mwai Kabaki back in power. When the government instituted a media blackout, blogs were critical in spreading the latest news. Even after the blackout was lifted, bloggers were faster and more detailed in their reporting about the latest clashes than were other news sources. Blogs are attempting to tell the story in ways that reflect the pain and struggle of the Kenyan people.11. Considering the new realities, media outlets must find multiple ways to feed consumers and new ways to maintain viability.12. The public can increase their political literacy by becoming more aware of these integrated systems. They can learn how to analyze the ways candidates shape messages to acquire media attention and how media outlets support much of this shaping.。