Chapter 13.5

Question 1

what is media

Answer 1

Media refers to the way information is communicated to the public

Question 2

how does the media influence legislative change

Answer 2

• firstly the media influences law reform by informing the public and members of parliament of established community views regarding issues of law reform (for example: by publicising the actions of individuals who hope to initiate law reform)
• the media influences law reform by itself initiating pressure for legislative change, this can be seen through the actions of media personalities who use their positions to draw the publicise and parliament attention to an issue of law reform not previously adressed

Question 3

techniques used in media

Answer 3

individuals using social media pages to generate support for law reform, to organise events, to publicise law reform issues, to share petions and to communicate with members of parliament who are active on social media

Question 4

the role of the media in law reform

Answer 4

• informing and raising awareness
• assessing levels of community support
• influencing community opinion on a change in the law

Question 5

informing and raising awareness

Answer 5

the media can inform people about social, political and legal issues and the need for law reform, and can also generate interest in, and awareness of, those issues or need

Question 6

assessing levels of community support

Answer 6

the media can assist the parliament, government and political parties to assess the level of community support for law reform

Question 7

influencing community opinion on a change in the law

Answer 7

the media can influence community views and opinions about social, political and legal issues and the need for law reform.

Question 8

issues of the role of the media

Answer 8

• media concentration
• the risk of spread of misinformation
• the use of algorithm online

Question 9

media concentration

Answer 9

Media concentration in Australia refers to the ownership of mass media by a small number of individuals or groups. Australia is considered to have one of the most concentrated media markets globally, with a few individuals and corporations controlling traditional print media, TV and radio networks, and online media. Although there are many different media brands and networks, many are owned by the same entities. This concentration allows media organisations to influence public opinion on legal, social, and political issues by controlling the content they print or broadcast.

Question 10

the risk of spread of misinformation

Answer 10

Digital platforms are a key source of news and information, with content from documentaries, films, and TV programs often shared online, allowing it to spread widely across Australia and globally. However, there is significant concern over the spread of misinformation on these platforms. Unlike traditional media, the online environment is not as regulated, allowing anyone to share “news,” which contributes to the widespread sharing of misinformation.

Question 11

the use of algorithm online

Answer 11

The use of platforms like Facebook and Google to deliver news, along with their algorithms, has changed how people consume information. Algorithms, which are sets of instructions that determine what content is shown to users, can influence what news people see. While this can help provide content that is relevant and engaging, it may also limit exposure to alternative viewpoints or important issues. As a result, people might not be aware of certain injustices or the need for law reform. This may restrict the range of news content people consume, although much is still unknown about the full impact and potential usefulness of these algorithms in delivering news.

Question 12

Advantages of social media

Answer 12

• the role of the media in law reform is extremly advantegous as the media commonly results in a significant amount of support for legislative change being generated following media publicist and an issue going viral
• when law reform issues are published and or viral in the media, members of parliament are more likely to attend to these issues

Question 13

example of media influencing law reform

Answer 13

the call to ban single use plastic bags was champagned by the media and public figures who supported the reform for environmental reasons, and this support contributed to the ban on plastic bags in all australian states

Question 14

disadvantage of social media

Answer 14

• can be disadvategous, especially when media coverage is bias: when a law reform issue is reported with bias, members of the public can form misinformed views as opposed to developing balanced and justified opinions