Final answer:
The media acts as a gatekeeper in the flow of information to the public, influencing public policy discussions and ensuring government transparency in line with Sunshine laws.
Step-by-step explanation:
The metaphor used to describe the role played by the media between the public is often referred to as a gatekeeper. This term illustrates how the media control, or filter, the flow of information from the political arena to the public, influencing which topics become part of the public debate and vice versa. This gatekeeping function of the media can dictate which issues become significant in public policy discussions.
In line with Sunshine laws, the media play a critical role in ensuring government transparency. Although the Supreme Court does not always allow the press complete freedom to keep sources confidential, the ongoing interaction between government officials and journalists is crucial for maintaining a well-informed public.
Comic books, Wikipedia, MTV, and a commercial for Coca-Cola are all examples of media; they serve as mediums through which information and culture are transmitted to the public, further illustrating the diversity and reach of media as gatekeepers.