Final answer:
It is true that if research answers the personal relevance question, it can garner more media interest. The media tends to focus on stories that impact the public directly, influencing public engagement and shaping opinions that can affect public policy. How the media presents these stories dictates what becomes a priority in the public eye.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is true that research might interest news media if it answers the "what's in it for me?" question. The draw of news media lies in its ability to present narratives that directly connect with the reader's or viewer's interests, answering their concerns about how events and stories impact them personally. Highlighting the personal relevance or implications of research can make it more appealing for media coverage, as it speaks directly to the audience's interests and needs.
Whether the subject is political actions, economic fluctuations, or social issues, news narratives that answer the "what's in it for me?" question resonate more with the public. This relevance drives the media's choices in coverage, as well as public engagement with those stories. For instance, coverage of government actions might be examined in the context of how those actions affect individual liberties, market opportunities, or community resources.
Understanding the media's role as a gatekeeper and vector for public engagement with critical issues is key. The media has the potential to shape public opinion by selecting which stories to highlight and how to present them. This selection can influence what topics surface to the forefront, potentially contributing to public policy decisions and overall political discourse.