Final answer:
Priming by the news media sets the public's judgment of its leaders by predisposing them to a certain perspective, influenced by how issues such as the economy or social protests are framed.
Step-by-step explanation:
Priming occurs when the news media, especially television stations and newspapers, set the terms by which the public judges its leaders. It's a form of media influence where coverage predisposes the viewer or reader to a particular perspective on a subject or issue.
For example, if the media focuses heavily on economic hardships, viewers are more likely to have a negative opinion of a political leader's performance in regards to the economy. This priming effect can shape opinions on a range of issues, including governance, campaigns, and social issues like race and socioeconomics.
Candidates who receive significant media attention typically gain momentum in elections due to the coverage effects. Media framing also influences public perception; for instance.
How demonstrations are portrayed (as riots or protests) can sway opinions. Knowledge of priming and framing allows individuals to better understand these effects and potentially mitigate them by seeking diverse perspectives and being critical of the information presented.