What is the media? Different forms of the media

The influence of the media Mass commuciation: eg, one tv show can reach a huge audience Efficient modern technology and transport mean that it is quick to circulate media Why is the media so influential? Called the inconsistent triad Lots of Money in media, £19.4 billion spent in 2007. As a result media is very powerful. The media has wide appeal because it is very varied. There are many different types. It reaches a large amount o people.

Portrayal of Religion in the media It may be the only regular source of information about religion for many people. Therefore the media plays an important part in how religions are viewed by the public. Called the inconsistent triad

Portrayal of Contemporary Issues In 1994 the Church of England ordained its first women priests. In response, BBC made a comedy about a female vicar.

Portrayal of important religious figures Religious figures are presented by the media in a variety of ways depending on the circumstances, context and any bias. Often presented as positive role models, living a morally good lifestyle, helping others, being kind, putting biblical teachings into practice. Called the inconsistent triad Some areas, often tabloids, highlight the bad things they get up to, eg, affairs, debt, ill treatment of others and present it as a scandal when they are about church leaders.

Portrayal of important religious figures Dr John Sentamu, is often in the news when he does something unusual to raise awareness of a cause. The Queen is Head of the Church of England, and often shown attending church and meeting with religious people. Called the inconsistent triad

Films A religious or philosophical issue may be shown in a film. Religious: the way that a film shows religious characters events or activities gives ideas and meanings about them Philosophical: focus on beliefs, morals, truth and the meaning of life The Matrix: focuses on a philosophical issue. It tries to make the audience question the reality of life. Called the inconsistent triad

Religious people might respond in different ways. Films Religious people might respond in different ways. I thought it was ok. Of course I don’t believe that everything God said and did in the film matches what I believe about God. However I think it was great to have a film that makes people think about God and prayer. I was offended. In the film God gave his powers to a human to teach him a lesson, and this is something I believe God would never do. I think films that disrespect God are wrong. Called the inconsistent triad

How might these films portray religion in a positive or negative way? Other Film Examples How might these films portray religion in a positive or negative way? Called the inconsistent triad

Uses of the MEDIA

Education TV channels such as the Discovery Channel show specifically educational science and history programmes Media enables us to find out about different cultures. It reaches all over the world and often gives information, opinions and ideas that we might not otherwise have access to.

How can the media educate religious and non-religious people? Relate experience as well as information Provoke thought and encourage people to look more deeply at religions The media as a tool Be contemporary – up to the minute broadcasts to educate a modern society. Provide information in variety of useful ways

How can the media educate religious and non-religious people? The media has limitations about educating people about religion as it may not give a full picture of the faith. It might misrepresent the religion due to bias or inaccuracy. Some people who are not religious may know little, so the media can be an excellent introduction. Most religious media includes basic information. Religious people will have a certain amount of knowledge and experience, media can develop this further.

Censorship and Freedom of Speech

What are they? Defines limits of obscenity Censorship means: The act of controlling what is said or written Removal of harmful or offensive material (eg sexual or violent material, terrorist messages, material which incites hatred) Obscene Publications Act Defines limits of obscenity Law of blasphemy was ablolished in 2008 In 2008 a man prosecuted under Obscene Publications Act for making up a story on a website about the kidnap, rape n murder of Girls Aloud. 2006 – Racial and Religious Hatred Act Makes it an offence to stir up racial hatred, (applies to verbal, written, physical)

Examples in the media 9pm watershed – anything shown on terrestrial tv before 9pm must be suitable for adults and children. In addition radio and tv may bleep out swear words. Films are all classified. Jerry Springer: The Opera was shown by the BBC in 2005. The BBC received 63,000 complaints by Christians offended by its portrayal of Christian icons. In October 2008 there were 37,000 complaints to the BBC about Jonathon Ross and Russell Brand and their telephoning an actor to discuss private relationships with his granddaughter.

Possible religious responses It is a good thing that censorship exists to ensure a minimum moral standard. Censorship against racial and religious hatred is a good thing because religions teach people to be kind to people from different cultures. Censorship of pornography is good because it can become destructive and addictive Swearing is wrong and should be restricted. Portrayal of graphic violence is wrong and personally offends many religious people. Therefore they may agree that it should be censored. Some religious people feel that censorship does not go far enough and could be improved. Other religious people do not believe in any censorship, because they believe its important for people to have free will and choose themselves.

Freedom of Speech This is the belief or principle that people have the right to voice opinions freely and without restriction. Many countries permit freedom of speech, but will have some restrictions. The Human Rights Act (1998) supports the right to Freedom of Expression, subject to certain conditions.

“So God created man in his own image” “Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil.” “So God created man in his own image” Humans made in the image of God and therefore have equal rights A reference to freedom and the responsibility that it brings. “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” People do not have the right to judge whether what others are broadcasting or publishing is right.

“People should never be allowed to make fun of religion in the media “People should never be allowed to make fun of religion in the media.” Do you agree? In relation to religion some humour might be acceptable, and some might not be – this will depend on the religion or the views of a follower of that religion.