Media have always been an important element in the cycle of shaping public opinion. They decide which topics are on the agenda or not and who is given broadcasting time or publishing space. By featuring certain points of view and neglecting others media have the ability to influence public opinion and thus also political decision-making to a significant extent.
Therefore, besides educational and publishing programs, media are an essential element in the dissemination strategy of think tanks. To spread their respective ideology they provide print media with masses of op-ed's and their top staff regularly appears on television and radio shows as political advisers or policy experts.
Table: Media Citations: Spectrum of Major U.S. Think Tanks
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The United States entered a new era in social policy in 1996 by enacting historic legislation that changed the philosophy as well as the structure of protection for the needy. After 61 years under a welfare system in which the federal government had guaranteed cash assistance to the poor for an indefinite period, welfare policy was revised to put new emphasis and reliance on the states while stressing individual self-sufficiency and the initiation or resumption of work among beneficiaries. The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act, the official name of welfare reform, was passed by Congress in August 1996.