How can media ownership concentration affect public opinion?

• A. It can influence agenda-setting and framing by prioritizing topics and perspectives favorable to owners, reducing diversity of views.
• B. It increases diversity of viewpoints.
• C. It has no effect on public opinion.
• D. It makes audiences more trusting of information.

Answer: (A)

Concentration of media ownership shapes public opinion mainly through agenda-setting and framing. When a few owners control many outlets, they influence which issues get attention and how those issues are presented, prioritizing topics and angles that reflect the owners’ interests. This narrows the range of viewpoints audiences encounter, guiding what people think is important and shaping interpretations of events. Over time, the consistent emphasis and framing can sway attitudes because people rely on media cues to form opinions. The other options don’t fit because this setup does not inherently increase diversity of viewpoints; it does affect public opinion; and it does not automatically make audiences more trusting—perceived bias can even reduce trust.