Final answer:
When the news media is advocating for specific interests and values, it is performing its Advocacy function, which is separate from its roles of informing, watching over governmental actions, and gatekeeping.
Step-by-step explanation:
When advocating for a particular interest and values, the news media may be said to be performing its Advocacy function. This role involves actively promoting a particular perspective or set of values, as opposed to simply reporting the news (Informative function), overseeing government actions (Watchdog function), or controlling which stories make it to the public eye and how they are presented (Gatekeeping function). The Advocacy function of media can influence public opinion and policy by prioritizing certain issues and providing a platform for certain opinions.
The media overall fulfill multiple functions within society and democracy, such as reporting news, shaping the public agenda, engaging citizens in political and social matters, and monitoring powers in governance. Their role in advocacy specifically aligns with actively promoting viewpoints or policies, which is distinct from but may overlap with their roles as informers, gatekeepers, and watchdogs.