Agenda-setting theory

Definition

Agenda-setting theory suggests that the media doesn't tell us what to think, but rather what to think about by selecting which issues are important enough to receive news coverage. The amount and type of coverage an issue gets can influence the public's perception of its importance.

Related terms

Framing:

Framing involves presenting an issue in a particular way that influences how audiences interpret it.

Public Opinion:

Public opinion encompasses the range of attitudes and beliefs held by the public regarding current issues and policies.

Gatekeeping:

Gatekeeping is the process through which information is filtered for dissemination, whether for publication, broadcasting, the Internet, or some other mode of communication