News media are considered linkage institutions because they connect the government and the public by providing information, shaping public opinion, and holding leaders accountable. They serve as a bridge between citizens and policymakers, informing the public about political events and issues. Through news coverage, media can influence public perceptions and participation in the political process.
Some examples of linkage institutions are:political partiesinterest groupsmediaelectionsa political partyThe media, political parties, locally elected members of government, lobby groups, elections, etc.
New communication technologies and advances in social media have profoundly influenced how citizens routinely acquire political information, including news events, investigative journalism, election coverage, and political commentary.
A linkage institution is a structure within a society that connects the people to the government or other centralized authority.
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B. Parties and interest groups
The purpose of news media is to inform the public about current events, provide analysis and context on important issues, and hold individuals and institutions accountable. It plays a crucial role in democracy by providing citizens with information to make informed decisions.
Linkage institutions
linkage institutions
The linkage function is performed when it connects to previously unreated elements. E.g. buyers and sellers
Given the large population of the U.S., the United States House of Representatives would not be considered a linkage institution. Political parties themselves are an example of linkage institutions.
Media
Ideally, the role of the media is to report the news factually and without bias. In reality, by choosing what to report and how to report what they do, they actually create news and shape the course of events.