Presidential rehearsal before the press conference and total control over which reporter is allowed to ask a question prevent true spontaneity. The advent of television has further increased the potential for distortion, since a president's physical attractiveness, delivery and flair for the dramatic may leave more of an impression on the public's mind than the substance of his answers. Discussion Questions 1. Explain how the localism and decentralized qualities of the American news media contribute to the promotion of democracy. The media have much freedom in the selection and publication of material in the United States.
Freedom of press has greater First Amendment protection than freedom of broadcasting.
To illustrate, cigarette advertisements are forbidden on radio and television but not in newspapers and magazines.