What happens when media coverage influences public opinion?

Ineed because i cannot find the answers anywhere

Mr. mann's science students were experimenting with speed. they set up a 1 meter (100 cm) track. the students used balls instead of cars. the balls were different sizes and made of different materials. four at a time, students rolled balls around the track to see which had the fastest and slowest speeds. some of their data are shown in the table. which ball will take the longest to complete one lap around the track?

What are policymakers trying to do by using the media to deliver specific messages to citizens?