3. When the media exposes a political scandal, it is acting as A. a watchdog. B. a gatekeeper. c. an agenda setter. D. an interest group.

When the media exposes a political scandal, it takes on the role of a watchdog, serving as a guardian of public interest by uncovering truth and holding power accountable. This function is critical in a democracy, as it helps inform citizens and fosters transparency in government actions and decisions. In practicing this watchdog role, the media often encounters challenges, such as potential backlash from those in power or attempts to discredit its reporting. Common mistakes include overlooking the importance of fact-checking or failing to provide context, which can lead to misinterpretations and further complicate public understanding of the issue at hand.