Exam #2 Review Flashcards
What clause protects copyright, and how does it conflict with the First Amendment?
The Copyright Clause (Article I, Section 8) allows Congress to grant exclusive rights to authors and inventors, but it sometimes limits free speech.
Ex: music sampling restrictions, affecting artists
What does the FCC regulate, and how does it treat broadcast vs. print media?
- radio
- TV
- satellite
- cable
- internet
broadcast media: enforces stricter rules b/c it uses public airwaves (e.g., licensing, content restrictions, public interest obligations)
print media: mostly unregulated b/c it does NOT rely on public resources
Ex: A radio station must obtain an FCC license unlike newspapers.
Why do people support media regulation?
- protect the public interest
- prevent monopolies
- ensure diverse viewpoints
- limit harmful content.
Ex: TFD ensured balanced coverage of public issues before its repeal.
Why do people support media deregulation?
- they believe in free-market competition
- no content regulations: audiences, not the government, should decide what they watch
Ex: The 1996 Telecommunications Act allowed major media mergers.
How is media content regulated in the U.S.?
- Broadcast Media = FCC restrictions (e.g., indecency bans from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.).
- Internet and Print Media: No government content restrictions, except for illegal activities like child pornography.
Ex: Movie ratings are self-regulated but NOT censored by the gov
What are key media regulation debates today? What do regulation and deregulation proponents want in each debate and why do they believe the government should follow their position?
- Copyright: Content creators argue that companies should pay for content use.
- Online content: Should social media filter misinformation or allow speech freely?
- Defamation: Should it be easier for public figures to sue the press for “fake news”?
Ex: NTY v. Sullivan (1964) set a high bar for proving defamation.
What is industry self-regulation?
When media industries set their own rules to avoid government interference.
Ex: MPAA movie ratings (e.g., PG-13, R) help guide content restrictions.
What major problems do media professionals face?
High production costs and unpredictable audience tastes make success uncertain.
Ex: Studios invest in blockbusters (Marvel) b/c smaller films often fail
What are media “conventions”?
Standard practices that guide media production to make descision makng more predictable.
Ex: News stories follow the “inverted pyramid” format.
What is the “blockbuster strategy” in media?
Investing big money in a few major productions to maximize profits.
Ex: Warner Bros. spent $250M on Harry Potter, led them to earn $7.7B.
What is a “beat” in journalism?
A specific topic or location a journalist covers regularly to develop expertise and build relationships with sources.
Ex: A White House beat reporter covers presidential news.
What is the “news net” in journalism?
A structured system for gathering and filtering news to determine what to cover and how to cover it.
Ex: Newsrooms hold daily editorial meetings to decide coverage.
Why is objectivity a “method” in journalism?
Objectivity is about fair reporting, not absolute truth—journalists use fact-checking and multiple sources.
Ex: The AP Stylebook helps reporters stay neutral.
