Life in modern Britain- role of the media and the free press

Question 1

What is meant by the term mass media ?

Answer 1

Media that reaches a large audience including traditional and new media

Question 2

What is traditional media?

Answer 2

Newspapers, radio and television

Question 3

What is new media?

Answer 3

Social media

Question 4

What is a citizen journalist?

Answer 4

Individuals reporting on news events online using phones and presenting to social media platforms

Question 5

What are the rights of the media and free press?

Answer 5

-free from political and judicial interference
-limited restrictions

Question 6

What is the role of the media?

Answer 6

-inform the public on current affairs
-encourage major debates
-uncover abuses of power, challenge decision makers, press for change and campaign
-create and support public opinion
-speak to those who hold positions of power and hold then to account
-ensure a range of views are available to the public

Question 7

What are the responsibilities of the media?

Answer 7

-ensure there is a balance between fact, analysis and opinion
-help the public understand complex matters
-work in a professional manner
-ensure information is accurate
-react to or set a political agenda

Question 8

Which newspapers are conservative?

Answer 8

Daily Mail
Daily Telegraph

Question 9

Which newspapers are labour?

Answer 9

Daily mirror
The guardian (also Lib Dem)

Question 10

What can society do to ensure freedom of the press?

Answer 10

-allow the media to thrive
-encourage a range of viewpoints
-encourage private and public media
-create regulations that enable citizens to hold the media to account
-ensure political parties have access to the media
-establish legal framework that encompasses freedom of information but also protects privacy and provides a limit to intrusion

Question 11

Define censorship

Answer 11

The ability to suppress or prevent the publication of information

Question 12

What is the ASA?

Answer 12

Advertising standards authority which governs advertising formats

Question 13

How is censorship used in the film industry?

Answer 13

Films are classified on their suitability for certain age groups
In order to be shown in cinema they must be approved by the BBFC (British board of film classification)

Question 14

What is the BACC?

Answer 14

Broadcast advertising clearance centre, approves all television advertising

Question 15

What is an example of the media holding those in power to account?

Answer 15

Partygate scandal - party’s held in Downing Street during lockdown, police injury and report published, lead to Boris Johnson’s resignation

Question 16

What legislation has given the media the right to gather information about public bodies?

Answer 16

Freedom of information Act 2000

Question 17

Give 2 examples of actions prompted by media investigations

Answer 17

Guardians coverage of the news of the world and other British newspapers owned by Rupert Murdochs alleged phone hacking lead to public outcry, several convictions and an inquiry

In 2000 after 8 year old Sarah Payne was killed her mother launched a campaign calling the government to make information about known sexual offenders public. Lead to a scheme known as Sarah’s law across England and wales

Question 18

What is the IPSO?

Answer 18

Independent press standards organisation which handles complaints and investigates standards and compliance. Form of self censorship

Question 19

What is IMPRESS?

Answer 19

-the official press regulator approved by the government
Very few newspapers have joined.

Maintains a standards code and assesses any breaches

provides a scheme protecting publishers against the risk of court costs and exemplary damages

Question 20

Which government report recommended a new body be established to regulate the press?

Answer 20

Leverson report (2012)

Question 21

Here are some examples of censorship issues. Try to remember at least one

Answer 21

Terrorism act 2006 made it illegal to glorify terrorism which some see as a limit on freedom of speech
In 2013, the offices of the guardian were raided by the police after the publication of stories about surveillance leaked by a former NSA (national security agency) in USA
In 2004, the observer kept secret a memo it had which allegedly showed the UK had conducted a potentially illegal spying operation at the UN prior to the Iraq war