Does the media influence social policy?

Answer 1

Yes, not just in the USA but all over the world.
Why do you think that big business spends millions to advertise there product? Because what goes on the web goes out to the world and many advertisers are on the web. Television is another giant out let for news and changing peoples minds.

Answer 2

Yes, it does. It is called the fourth power for a reason. Through what is often called "agenda setting", the media sometimes focuses on certain topics or events that go on in society, giving them more importance, in order to gain the attention of viewers. For example, if a paradigmatic case of rape appears, a case which is particularly shocking or disturbing, the media might begin to broadcast or publish information from other rapes which occur (when not all are made public), giving people the impression that rapes have risen. The same for cases of kidnapping and other crimes. This may have an effect on the government, which might go harder on, say, car thieves, and carry out an action not specifically to change things, but to draw the attention of the public and showing it does something to prevent car theft. Thus, the media has an important influence on social policy, especially when time of elections... Plus, the media is now controled by very important power groups, so its hard to know when a certain channel or newspaper is being 100% objective. That's why it's mandatory to read several newspapers...

Answer 3

media is a source to influence social policy.