Extended Response

Question 1

Regulation Extended Response… (Part 1)

The need to regulate media stems from various concerns..

Answer 1

The need to regulate media stems from various concerns all aimed to protect citizens from harm. One reason for media regulation is the need to protect vulnerable groups such as children.

Young children are impressionable thus vulnerable to media influence. The Australian research alliance for Children and Youth released a report suggesting that children exposed to explicit and violent material are likely to develop harmful thoughts and behaviours as well as disrupting sleep patterns.

Question 2

Regulation Extended Response… (Part 2)

Regulation is currently done via the ..

Answer 2

Regulation is currently done via the government body of the Classification board and some program timing by industry bodies such as Free TV.

Moreover, the need to regulate the media is aimed at stopping the monopolisation of mass media. This is to ensure media diversity and no one organisation set specific agendas.

This is currently controlled by the Australian Communication and Media Authority who ensures no person’s broadcasting licence can reach more than 75% of the population and that at least 55% of programs aired are Australian.

Question 3

Regulation Extended Response… (Part 3)

However with the convergence of the..

Answer 3

However with the convergence of the new media has made regulation increasingly difficult.

The internet has enabled audiences to gain access to explicit or banned content at the click of a button which makes regulations such as banning material redundant.

Moreover, theories such as uses and gratification suggest audiences are active and imperious to influence thus regulation is not needed as people can choose for themselves what they want to consume thus supporting the classification act that “adults should read, see, hear whatever they want”.

Question 4

Regulation Extended Response… (Part 4)

Furthermore regulating media can be

Answer 4

Furthermore regulating media can be seen as a form of government control that impedes the right to free speech and the right to press freedom thus contrary to the notion of democracy. It can be argued that such strict regulations are ineffective and redundant in this technological world