A popular radio talk show host comments that mass shootings are increasing simply because people are consuming increasingly violent television shows and movies and doing so more often. Which theory is this talk show host espousing?

A) active audiences theory
B) reinforcement theory
C) hypodermic needle theory
D) agenda-setting theory

The talk show host is espousing the hypodermic needle theory, which suggests that the media has a direct and powerful effect on audiences and can inject them with ideas and behaviors. This theory has been largely debunked in media studies, as research has shown that audiences are more active and critical in their consumption of media. Additionally, there is no clear evidence linking violent media to the increase in mass shootings.