Final answer:
Media coverage is significant for shaping public perception and influencing democratic processes. It has a dual role: setting the national agenda through its watchdog capabilities and potentially engaging in sensationalism, which can mislead the public. The media's impact is evident in the differing reactions to televised versus radio broadcasts of the Kennedy-Nixon debates.
Step-by-step explanation:
The significance of media coverage can be examined through two main lenses: media impact on public perception and political processes, and the media's role as a watchdog versus sensationalism. Firstly, media coverage has a profound effect on how the public perceives events, shaping their understanding and influencing their opinions. For example, in the historical debates between Kennedy and Nixon, those who watched the debates on television believed Kennedy won due to his more telegenic presence, whereas those who listened to the debates on radio felt Nixon presented more detailed and coherent arguments. This demonstrates the impact of the visual medium on public perception and underscores the advent of an era wherein politicians' media image has become increasingly influential.
Additionally, the media's role as a watchdog is significant for maintaining democratic transparency. However, this role can be compromised when media coverage shifts from factual reporting to sensationalism, thereby potentially misleading the public. The scrutiny media provided during various political scenarios, like the U.S. state officials' attack abroad or during the Flint Water Crisis, demonstrates the media’s ability to set the national agenda and act as a watchdog. However, the inclination to engage in sensationalism, akin to paparazzi tactics, can lead to questions about whether the press is providing what the public needs or what they desire as entertainment. The ideal role of the press, when acting solely as a watchdog, should be to provide comprehensive and non-partisan information, thus contributing to a well-informed public sphere.