1. Explain how the media serve to unite and divide members of society.

2. How is control over the content of the media (according to conflict and feminist perspectives) problematic? What groups are in conflict?

3. From an interactionist perspective, examine how Michael Jackson’s death met the three criteria for newsworthiness.

4. How is one’s access to media and technology related to one’s life chances?

5. Which sociological perspective could best explain how trust is earned by new agencies and outlets? Do you trust the news media? Why or why not?

6. Define what is meant by media literacy. How does media literacy mitigate the harmful effects of the media?