Final answer:
Sam's belief that crime is on the rise due to extensive local news coverage illustrates how media agenda setting shapes public perception, leading to an overestimation of crime rates and the perpetuation of racial stereotypes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The example of Sam watching the local news daily and believing that crime is on the rise because of extensive coverage of crimes is an illustration of how media coverage can influence public perception of crime. This phenomenon is due to a cognitive bias known as agenda setting, which is the practice of the media choosing specific issues to discuss and thereby shaping the reality of viewers. Research suggests that when viewers like Sam are exposed to such coverage, they often overestimate the actual crime rate and become more fearful. This bias is further exacerbated by the fact that media reports also tend to portray racial stereotypes, misleading the public about the true demographics of criminals and victims.