Final answer:
The news media are believed to significantly shape public opinion, specifically in areas of foreign policy, and are criticized for disregarding messages from policy advocates. Studies and scholars highlight the media's impact on perceptions of political leaders and policies, while also noting the industry's focus on profits over comprehensive coverage.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the excerpt, there are two assumptions commonly made about the news media. One is that the media are a powerful force in shaping public opinion, especially regarding foreign policy. The other assumption is that the media often ignore the messages that policy advocates want them to convey. Professor Robert Entman from George Washington University and other scholars have shown that the media can heavily influence public opinions, particularly on international affairs or issues with which individuals have limited personal experience. This influence is not limited to foreign policy; it extends to how political leaders are perceived and other areas like poverty and crime.
The media play a crucial role as a de facto 'fifth branch of government' by determining how people view and understand major events, subsequently impacting citizen and voter behavior. Moreover, the media's portrayals, influenced by interactions with participants in government and politics, can have significant effects on our daily lives, both positively and negatively. Despite the importance of the media in shaping public discourse, some scholars are critical of the industry for prioritizing profits and not providing diverse perspectives on policy issues.