議題設定研究の新たな課題(<特集>パワフル・メディア論再考)

抄録

In this article, I discuss three issues of theoretical importance that recent media agenda-setting research faces. First, what is the nature of the dependent variable of the agenda-setting hypothesis (that is, perceived salience or importance of public issues) in terms of cognitive psychology? Does it mean an automatic response caused by the accessibility bias, or is it based on a more thoughtful, judgment? Second, is it possible that the concepts of attribute-agenda setting and framing be converged or reconciled? Third, will the agenda-setting role of mass media survive the rapidly changing media environment? In other words, will the consensus-building function performed by news media be sustained?