Test 1 Flashcards
Political function
Role of media in providing info abt gov policies, political events, and public affairs. Helps citizens make informed decisions, holds leaders accountable, and fosters political discussions
The Record-Keeping Function
Documenting historical and current events, Ensures that important info such as: economic trends, legal decisions, and scientific discoveries, are preserved for public access
Marketplace Function
Media’s role as a platform where different ideas, opinions, and viewpoints are exchanged. Allows for discussion of social, political, and economic issues contributing to the democratic process
Economic Function
Media is a tool for economic activity by advertising products, reporting on financial news, and influencing consumer behavior. It helps businesses reach audiences and informs ppl abt job opportunities, investments, and market trends
Entertainment Function
Media provides amusement and relaxation through movies, TV shows, music, and other forms of entertainment. It helps ppl escape from daily stress and fosters cultural expression
Social Function
Helps ppl connect by sharing news abt communities, personal achievements, and societal trends. It fosters social cohesion and interaction, allowing individuals to engage in discussions and stay informed about societal developments
Sentry Function
Media’s role in monitoring societal changes and alerting the public to emerging issues, such as public health concerns, technological advancements, and environmental threats. Acts as a watchdog for future challenges!
Agenda-Setting Function
Media influences what topics are considered important by selecting which issues receive coverage. By highlighting certain stories over others, it shapes public discourse and directs attention to specific political, economic, or social matters.
4 Tenets of the Hi’s Eye Code of Ethics
- Seek Truth and Report it
- Minimize Harm
- Act Independently
- Be Accountable and Transparent
Truth Defense against Libel cases
Truth: Best defense against libel lawsuit (if have facts to prove it)
Privilege against Libel cases
Privilege: Journalists are protected when reporting on official government proceedings as long as they report accurately and fairly- can report anything said in a official / public setting
Fair comment against Libel cases
Fair comment: Print in opinion / review pieces- journalists are allowed to express opinions or commentary, particularly abt public figures or worsk, as long as it is clearly an opinion and not a false statement / fact
Admission of Error against Libel
Company acknowledges and corrects an error promptly- need to admit ASAP and show that it wasn’t done maliciously
Public officials and Public Figures
Have a higher burden of proof b/c they most prove that the journalist knowingly published false info.
Hard b/c most of what they say is in the public but courts understand that these ppl r out there, law on side of press in this case
Composite character
Fictional characters a journalist creates by using characteristics of several real people. This is unethical and dishonest
prior restraint/review
The halting or forbidding of publication, a form of censorship not permitted in the US except in rare circumstances when national security is at risk
credibility
A journalist’s ability to be believed and trusted
objectivity
Journalists should not let their personal feelings, or likes or dislikes, affect their reporting.
accuracy
There is no such thing as a small error; journalists must get every detail correct, all the time. This stresses the importance of:
right of reply / simultaneous rebutle
If you print criticism of someone, allow that person to respond in the same story.
good taste
Avoid profanity, sensationalism, sexually explicit material, and glorifying bad behavior. In other words, maintain standards of
fairness
Everyone in your audience, regardless of race, gender identification, philosophy, age, economic status, or religion, has an equal right to fair treatment in journalism; do not apply different standards to different groups
plagiarism
Do not pass off others’ work as your own. Always give appropriate credit. Not doing so is grounds for firing a journalist
attribution
Always identify where your information or quotes came from. Always give the correct:
slander
Spoken false defamation of character
two figures associated with the development of yellow journalism
William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer
