This article examines the role of mass media as a source of policy-specific knowledge in a democracy, highlighting past research’s design and methodological limitations that hinder causal inferences. By utilizing a novel approach that employs cross-sectional survey data to make within-survey/within-subject comparisons based on varying levels of media coverage, the study provides insights into how different aspects of news media—such as volume, breadth, and prominence—enhance policy knowledge beyond demographic influences. The findings contribute to the understanding of media’s impact on public learning regarding policy issues.