Chapter 13 Flashcards
Why is fourth estate important to democracy?
Ideally acts as an independent balance of power of government bodies
What is the fourth estate?
Acts as 4 branch of government. Must be free from government censorship.
Chilling effect
Not publishing stories on a topic after a journalist has been punished or jailed for such a story
Sedition
Speech or action that encourages the overthrow of a government
Clear and present danger
1 intended to incite or produce dangerous activity ex. Fire
2. Likely to succeed in achieving the purported result
Prior restraint
When the government blocks the publication of content over the air, in theaters or online
Libel
A type of defamation that is written and published which damages a persons reputation
Protect journalists from libel
Confirm identity, use quotations, report only facts and don’t draw conclusions
Best defenses against claims of libel?
Truth, consent, privilege, opinion vs. fact
Shield laws
Protect journalists from legal challenges to their freedom to report the news
Indecent speech
Language/material that depicts or describes in terms patently offensive for the broadcast medium, sexual or excretory organs or activities
Obscenity
1 An average individual applying contemporary community standards must believe the content, taken as a whole, appeals to prurient interest
2 content must show or describe in an offensive manner sexual conduct
3 content must lack serious artistic, political or scientific value
telecommunications act of 1996
Sought to curb indecent speech online. The CDA made it illegal to depict or describe anything indecent
Equal time rule
The requirement that broadcasters make available equal airtime, in terms of commentaries and commercials, to opposing candidates running for election. It does not apply to candidates appearing in newscasts, documentaries, or news-event coverage
Children’s television act
Places limit on commercial content. Forces stations to have some educational content. Provisions to help children
