What does agenda-setting theory suggest about media influence?

Agenda-setting theory posits that the media plays a significant role in determining which issues are perceived as important by the public. This theory emphasizes that while the media does not tell people what to think, it is highly effective in influencing what people think about. By prioritizing certain topics through coverage, repetition, and the prominence of stories, the media shapes the public agenda. This can lead to increased public discussion and concern around those topics.

For instance, if the media dedicates extensive coverage to climate change, the public is likely to perceive it as a critical issue requiring attention and action. This relationship highlights the media's power in framing the discourse around specific issues, impacting public perception over time.

In contrast, the other choices do not align with the principles of agenda-setting theory. The idea that the media has no influence on public perception contradicts the essence of this theory, and suggesting that media discussions are solely controlled by advertisers or that it directly dictates public opinion both overlook the nuanced role of media in shaping public priorities rather than opinions.