This paper examines the research that has been done on the phenomenon of agenda
setting by the popular media, and the
influence
it has on public opinion. The relevant literature is reviewed, demonstrating that a plethora of studies have established that agenda setting is a common occurrence in the
popular media. The opposing argument, that the evidence for agenda setting is purely correlational, is addressed. The effects that this
influence has on the public's view of what issues are important are explored.