The role of the media in law reform

Question 1

Types of media

Answer 1

• print media
• broadcast media
• social media

Question 2

How can media influence law reform?

Answer 2

• inform & raise awareness
• assess levels of community support
• influence community opinion on a change of law

Question 3

Ways traditional media can inform and raise awareness?

Answer 3

Their ability to investigate, report, discuss and inform people about social, political and legal issues and possible changes to the law.

For example, newspapers, television and radio are still a major source of news within our community.

Question 4

Ways traditional media can assess levels of community support?

Answer 4

Can assist the parliament, government and political parties in determining whether there is sufficient community support for a change in the law eg. through newspaper surveys.

Question 5

Ways traditional media can influence community opinion on a change of law?

Answer 5

They can also conduct investigations and report on them in news stories or TV programs. This can then prompt governments to act, or encourage people to pressure governments to act.

Question 6

Disadvantages of traditional media?

Answer 6

• spread of misinformation
• media concentration- ownership of mass media by very few individuals or groups

Question 7

How social media can influence law reform

Answer 7

• similar to traditional media (can create interest, generate awareness and gauge community support on issues)

Question 8

Examples how social media can influence law reform

Answer 8

• individuals using social media pages to generate support for law reform
• to organise events (such as demonstrations)
• to publicise law reform issues
• to share petitions
• to communicate with members of parliament who are active on social media.

Question 9

Strengths of social media?

Answer 9

• Reaches a lot of people
• Outrage can pressure politicians
• Can present both sides
• Easier to access
• Hear the message from people you trust
• Can contact politicians directly

Question 10

Weaknesses of social media?

Answer 10

• can be misleading- misinformation
• algorithms can promote or hide relevant information/views
• people posting on social media generally don’t follow same ethics followed by traditional media organisations

Question 11

Example how social media can influence law reform

Answer 11

• # raisetheage campaign
• strong use of social media has spread the word effectively
• encouraged signing a petition
• tagging relevant politicians in their posts