Revision Session 6 The Media

So what is the media?

Can the press be controlled? Freedom of the press Free press means uncensored meaning within reason newspapers can print what they like within reason. Freedom of expression is important in a democracy as it gives the public information. Reporting should be as fair as possible but obviously bad news sells!!! Some stories are seen as intrusive, especially with celebrities & politicians but many argue that they are in the public eye & the public have a right to know. Regulating the press |UK media is mostly self-regulated. There are some cases when press must not report or they risk prosecution. Eg; protection of national security The Official Secrets Act prevents people putting certain information into the media. The protection of children’s identities can be covered by privacy laws. If the media is felt to be influencing a current court case they might find themselves “in contempt of court” & can be prosecuted. Sometimes a “gagging order” might be given by a judge if the information due to be published might be very harmful.

Bodies that regulate the media PCC-PRESS COMPLAINTS COMMISSION A voluntary code that all newspapers agree to follow. Code of Practise Committee made up of newspaper& magazines editors investigate complaints & may order a printed apology. OFCOM-Office of Communications Produces guidelines for producers of television & radio programmes and the internet. If these are broken it can investigate Advertising Standards Committee Checks adverts don’t mislead or offend The Internet The net is hard to regulate and the amount of information available has raised concerns over national security, personal safety, privacy, copyright laws, libel. Progress is being made to increase internet security with the introduction of new laws which can prosecute people if necessary.

How does the media affect public opinion? Websites, TV, newspapers report on the main issues of the day. They particularly search for political scandal & are quick to alert the public. They also give useful information on important issues & may try to influence our opinions. Think how important the media is in the run up to a General Election. Debates, discussions etc help us to consider different sides of complicated arguments and help us to decide who to vote for.. Some newspapers have a particular preference for a political party & will be obvious in their support. In 2010 The Sun newspaper supported the Conservative Party.

How do the following headlines make you feel? Are these headlines completely accurate and objective or do they try to sway public opinion in a certain direction?

The media can affect our opinion in subtle ways….. (without us knowing) Media reports don’t just report hard facts- they can include opinions, unfounded claims, theories or speculation. This can be done openly or by manipulating things subtly (putting a spin on a piece of information). Sometimes not reporting something will sway public opinion too Use of emotive language or strong images also influence the way we feel about certain issues.

How can the media help to bring about change in democratic societies? Media influence is so strong it can go beyond influencing opinion to causing actual changes. For example BBCs Panorama program have mounted investigations into various scandals which once exposed have led to changes in working practise businesses, public service & even changes to laws. A scene from the Panorama investigation into abuse at Winterbourne View a residential home for vulnerable adults.

How can the media help to bring about change in non-democratic societies? In non-democratic countries there have always been restrictions on the press. The governments dictate what may be published on TV,in newspapers, magazines & books and this is designed to show those in power in a good light. BUT satellite communication is free from censorship and it is almost impossible to prevent people from accessing communication & information via the internet. Some non- democratic countries have tried to use technology & legal restrictions to stop access to global media. EG China’s government employs 30,000+ “cybercops” to monitor internet content. The massive changes in Eastern Europe and parts of the Middle East such as Libya in the last 30 years in which non-democratic governments have been overthrown by people demanding change can be linked to access to worldwide media such as BBC World Service, increase use of the internet & social media.

Can free access to information be damaging? Whilst it is accepted that free access to information and opinions from across the world can be a good thing for democracy & threaten dictatorships, instant worldwide communication can also pose a threat to democratic societies….  Criminals can use the internet  Pressure groups can organise illegal action that may catch the Police off guard  Terrorists, extremists, non-democratic political parties can set up websites to publicise their ideas & activities.