Assertion (A): Greater the attention media pay to issues, events, or personages, the greater is the importance given by the audience to them.

Reason (R): Media can only influence what the people are to think about, not the direction of opinion on issues.

(A) Both (A) and (R) are true

(B) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)

(C) (A) is true but (R) is false

(D) (A) is false but (R) is true

Correct Ans: (A)

Explanation:

The agenda-setting theory explains how media prioritizes issues, events, and personalities, shaping what the public considers important. When news outlets repeatedly highlight certain topics, audiences tend to view them as significant, regardless of their actual importance.

Thus, the assertion (A) is true—the more attention media gives to an issue, the more audiences perceive it as important. For example, extensive coverage of elections, climate change, or celebrity scandals influences public focus on these topics.

The reason (R) is also true because media controls what people think about, not necessarily how they think about it. While media sets the agenda by emphasizing specific issues, individuals form their own opinions based on personal beliefs, discussions, and experiences.

Since (R) correctly explains (A), the correct answer is (A).

For instance, news channels heavily covering inflation make people perceive it as a major concern. However, their stance on whether government policies are effective varies, as individuals interpret the news differently.

Because media plays a powerful role in shaping public discourse, it remains essential for audiences to consume information critically. Recognizing agenda-setting strategies helps individuals develop informed, independent perspectives.