drive-by media

The idea that members of the mainstream news media can negatively affect viewer perception by sharing a barrage of information with the potential to mislead or confuse viewers. ("Drive-by" comes from the term "drive-by shooting," in which someone riding in a vehicle begins firing a gun at an unsuspecting person on the street.) Popularized by US radio personality Rush Limbaugh. That reporter always seems to cause confusion and sow discord whenever she opens her mouth—it's drive-by media at its finest! I don't know why you lump that anchor with drive-by media—I've always known him to give unbiased, factual accounts of what's going on in the world. Drive-by media is, unfortunately, a way for young reporters to make a name for themselves these days. All publicity is good publicity, as they say.

gavel-to-gavel coverage

Media coverage that lasts from the beginning to the end of a formal session, such as a trial or political convention. There has been gavel-to-gavel coverage of the Senate hearing, as the lawmakers decide whether or not to approve the controversial legislation. The high-profile murder trial of the beloved celebrity has resulted in gavel-to-gavel television coverage. I'll be glad when a verdict is reached in this high-profile case, so the gavel-to-gavel coverage will finally stop!

mainstream media

Well-established media outlets, such as newspapers and TV stations, that reach a mass audience, considered collectively. The term is especially used to contrast it with other forms of media that one considers more truthful and/or less biased. Often abbreviated as "MSM." It seems that people are becoming increasingly distrustful of the mainstream media.

media darling

A very famous and popular person who receives exceptionally positive media coverage or attention. Ever since the election season began, the presidential hopeful has become quite the liberal media darling. The rising star has captured the world with her talent and beauty, becoming one of the biggest media darlings of recent times.

trial by media

1. A term for the impact that extensive media coverage of a trial has on the reputations of those involved in the legal proceedings. With its televised car chases, doctored magazine photos, and round-the-clock news coverage, the OJ Simpson trial is possibly the most obvious example of trial by media. Any time a political figure is involved in a scandal like this, you can count trial by media being a big part of the proceedings.

2. The determination of guilty by news outlets and users of social media (as opposed to an actual trial through the criminal justice system). Many news pundits are speaking as if the actor's guilt is a forgone conclusion, when no criminal charges have even been made yet. This is sort of trial by media needs to stop! I made one joke in really poor taste on social media that went viral, and now my whole career has been ruined thanks to the trial by media that ensued.

trial by the media

A situation in which a person's guilt is decided by the population at large due to negative coverage by the media. Also phrased as "trial by television." While the stories about the former CEO are all horrifying, right now they are just that: stories. We cannot allow trial by the media to become the new means by which to condemn our citizens, who still enjoy the right to be considered innocent until proven guilty.