UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

The correlation function of media involves interpreting events,explaining their significance and prescribing responses. Editorials do exactly this by analysing news and guiding public opinion. Therefore they primarily serve the correlation function.

Option A:
Surveillance refers to reporting events and conditions,which is more descriptive than interpretive.

Option B:
Correlation is about interpretation,context and guidance for response,which is exactly what editorials provide.

Option C:
Entertainment focuses on amusement and enjoyment,not serious interpretation of issues.

Option D:
Diversion provides escape/relaxation rather than analysis and guidance.

In mass communication,gatekeeping is the process by which certain information is selected and other information is rejected before reaching the public. Editors act as gatekeepers when they decide which stories will appear in the newspaper. Their decisions shape the flow of news to the audience. Therefore,the editor in the stem is functioning as a gatekeeper.

Option A:
A reporter gathers news but may not have final authority over which items are published. The stem emphasises decision making about publication.

Option B:
Agenda setter refers more broadly to shaping what issues the public thinks about through sustained coverage,which may involve many actors,not just the editor's selection.

Option C:
Gatekeepers control the doors through which information passes,making option C the precise description of the role mentioned.

Option D:
An audience analyst studies audience preferences and demographics rather than choosing specific stories for publication.

Gatekeeping is the process by which certain information is selected and other information is rejected before reaching the public. News editors perform this role by choosing which stories to highlight or drop. The stem explicitly refers to selecting front page items,so the editor is functioning as a gatekeeper.

Option A:
A reporter mainly gathers news and sends it to the newsroom but may not decide final placement.

Option B:
Gatekeepers influence audience awareness by controlling the entry of information,making this term the most accurate.

Option C:
Opinion leaders interpret and share messages within interpersonal networks,not within the newsroom.

Option D:
Advertisers promote products or services and are not directly responsible for news selection.

The surveillance function of mass communication involves monitoring the environment and providing information about events such as disasters,weather and crises. TV news reports on natural disasters so that people can take precautions. This clearly illustrates the surveillance role of media.

Option A:
Correlation refers to interpreting and commenting on events,as in editorials,not merely reporting them.

Option B:
Surveillance gives early warning and general awareness,making option A the appropriate term for the function described.

Option C:
Entertainment includes programmes meant to amuse audiences and is not the primary purpose of disaster reporting.

Option D:
Mobilisation refers to rallying people for social or political action; while disaster news may lead to action,the primary function here is information.