1. The role of media in a democratic society: electronic and print mediaPg

2. 2.1. Role of the media in a democracy

3. Forms of MEDIA -- ELECTRONIC MEDIA
Television
Radio
Film & DVD’s
Internet s
Websites
Blogs
Facebook & Twitter
Newspapers
Films
Magazines
= Any media that needs electricity or batteries

4. Forms of MEDIA -- PRINT MEDIA
Books
Newspapers
Magazines
Brochures
Pamphlets
Posters
Billboards
= any media form that is printed

5. Social media = websites and various software programmes
Social media = websites and various software programmes * you are able to interact instantly with other users * you are able to write comments, add information, join groups and share information or visual media with other users * give examples of the above ………..

6. MEDIA influences The way we THINK How we FEEL about current events….
..culture
..politics
..gender
..lifestyle
..possessions
..sport
..almost everything
Shapes people’s understanding and
Interpretation of information and events

7. What is the role of media?
The role of media is to inform society about daily events that can be deemed as newsworthy

8. In a DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY, the ROLE OF MEDIA is ….
= to empower citizens with information regarding their rights
To give citizens access to information so that they can know their rights
To provide citizens with enough information to know how and why they should participate in decision making and hold the powers that be accountable
To provide opportunities for the exchange of knowledge and ideas

9. In a DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY, the ROLE OF MEDIA is ….
expose human rights violations
communicate, inform, educate & entertain
expose corruption and mismanagement
report unlawful activities & court cases
promote debate & discussion
promote nation-building
shape public opinion

10. 2.2. Freedom of expression and limitations
Keywords:
Freedom of expression – you can say what you feel freely; give information and viewpoints
Limitations – boundaries, restrictions, limits
Whistle-blower – a person who reports illegal or immoral activities

11. FREEDOM of EXPRESSION and LIMITATIONS
Media can make or break a reputation and must therefore:
Sometimes media does not fulfil a responsible role, eg.
Give enough information to explain what is happening
Issues must be explained in a non-biased way
Headlines should not be untrue, scandalous or sensationalised
State the facts
Give political parties equal coverage
Sources must be checked before reported on
Satisfying the interests of the advertiser vs the interest of the public
Gossip, scandals, reported on in an entertaining way
Paparazzi invading privacy of celebrities
Information is sometimes biased and incorrect

12. FREEDOM of EXPRESSION
According to the bill of rights we as SA citizens have freedom of expression which includes :
Freedom of the press and other media
Freedom to receive or impart information or ideas
Freedom of artistic creativity
Academic freedom and freedom of scientific research

13. PRESS FREEDOM & CONSTITUTIONAL LIMITATIONS
But it does not extend to :
Propaganda for war
Incitement of imminent violence
Advocacy of hatred based on race, ethnicity, gender or religion
Incitement to cause harm

14. PRESS FREEDOM…. Also everyone has the right of access to :
Any information held by the state
Any information by another person that has to do with protection of any rights

15. THE PROTECTION OF STATE INFORMATION BILL
More commonly known as the Secrecy Bill
The Bill proposes long sentences for journalists/whistle-blowers/anyone who makes state secrets public
However no clarity exists around what is considered “state secrets”

16. Task What is a possible negative impact of this Bill?
Decide which of the following should be freely communicated in the media:
Cartoons that are offensive to particular religions
Racists tweets
Tender irregularities involving a minister and a close family member

17. 2.3. Extent to which media reporting reflects a democratic society

18. The following criteria can be used to determine whether the media’s reporting reflects a democratic society:
Topics covered: which topics are commonly covered by the media? What does this say about the media?
Editorial position: What is the viewpoint of the editor? Is the editor biased for or against a topic or group of people?
Space allocated to topics: Which topics are featured heavily and which are featured a little?
Geographical distribution: Is the information available to many groups or people or only to a certain few?

19. 2.4. Critical analysis of media and campaigns
Important to critically analyse the media
Must evaluate their balance and fairness
Pay attention to: selection of content; sources used; level of commercial content; sensationalism/use of shocking details; exaggeration and accuracy
If a news report only shows one side of a story, it is NOT FAIR REPORTING

20. 2.4. Critical analysis of media and campaigns ….
Campaigns are movements, drives or crusades that push, fight or advocate for an issue
Some campaigns are useful, necessary and contribute to a democratic society, e.g. Mandela Day Campaign

21. 2.5. Coverage of sport, sport personalities and recreation activities
Coverage of sport, sport personalities and recreation activities vary in the media
Media covers mostly the big five sports – men’s soccer, rugby, cricket, golf and motor racing
Which sports/recreation activities are under-reported?
Sportsmen dominate the coverage over sportswomen
The more famous a sport star is the more media exposure he/she gets

22. LEAD SA – XENOPHOBIA
CAMPAIGN

25. BRING BACK OUR GIRLS CAMPAIGN – IN RESPONSE TO THE 100
NIGERIAN GIRLS KIDNAPPED BY BOKO HARAM