Read the scenario.
Local election officials are planning to remove ballot drop-off boxes from an area of the city where most residents are Black or Latino. An investigative journalist uncovers the plan and publishes a story about it in the city newspaper. In the article, the journalist claims that the officials want to suppress voter turnout in the upcoming mayoral election. The election pits the current mayor, a conservative White business owner, against a Black candidate who is a social activist. Polls indicate that the Black candidate is gaining in popularity, particularly in the area affected by the officials’ plan.
What is the main media role the journalist is playing?
social media influencer
agenda setter
gatekeeper
watchdog
1 answer
The main media role the journalist is playing in this scenario is watchdog. By uncovering and reporting on the plan to remove ballot drop-off boxes in a specific area to potentially suppress voter turnout in order to benefit a particular candidate, the journalist is acting as a watchdog to hold the local election officials accountable for their actions.