Wild Card- The Media vs The Government

 

               The media has been an essential part of society ever since the first newspaper was considered as the press. The media serves an important purpose in our society. How? The media helps spread awareness referring to important issues in our world. Without the news or the media, citizens would be misinformed and outdated. The government vs The Media has been a thing for a while, but why? Why is this a common or public issue when the government needs the media and the media needs the government?

            Throughout U.S. history the government has played many roles in the press and the media. Local and state governments have been beneficial to the media for as long as American history has been a factor. The government has an impact on the media and it shows every day. How does the media release interesting content? The government and its practices. How does the government receive the utmost exposure in society? The media.

            Is the media funded by the government? To answer that question, yes. Public broadcasters often receive financial assistance from the government, state, and federal. However, there is another question that comes to mind. Does the government use the funds that are given to the media to keep the media in line? Some may believe that the answer to that question is nothing less than a short and simple yes. It is believed that the government uses its funds to make the media ' quiet' about certain things and situations that society is oblivious to. In a better description of words, the government uses funding to control and tame the media to its standards.

            The news and the media hold the most weight when it comes to updates referring to politics. Political media is new to our society. It allows us to view and analyze what the media puts out about the government. Overall the rise of political media and the new media has been a complication for the government as well as the political media system. The government believes that the media has caused the redefinition of elections and too many opinions, while the media believes that they have created the opportunity for those who are politically opinionated to use their voices and stand up for what they believe in. Freedom of the press plays a vital role in the media and politics. The media has given the government many opportunities to reach viewers and allow political parties to market their campaigns.

            Why do the government and political parties need the media? The government and political parties need the media for various amount of reasons. The main reason both need the media is for exposure, positive exposure to be more specific. With the new forms of communication in today's media, political parties and the government have no other choice but to take partnership with the media for the benefit of citizens and the possible gain of more voters. The government and political parties need the media to help keep them technologically, culturally, and socially intact and impactful.

            Regulating the media can help defuse the conflict that the government has with the media. Though the government does provide regulations for the media to keep things in balance, the media may feel as if those regulations are just flat-out dos and don'ts. This may seem unfair to witnesses because Freedom of the Press is guaranteed in society, but the government however does regulate the media, sometimes more than it should. Researchers have come up with reasons why the government shouldn't regulate the media, while other researchers have found reasons why the government should regulate the media.

Researchers believe that the government shouldn't regulate the media because no matter how raw and authentic things are, some people need to witness them. Researchers also believe that the media shouldn't be regulated by the government due to misinformation and false facts. Some people's opinions are that the government is so heavy on regulating the media because the government doesn't have the desire to be exposed to society. I'm pretty sure we all wonder what happens behind political parties, legislature branches, and more that refer to the government. Without expected regulations for the media would the government be in trouble?

Other researchers believe that the media should be regulated for numerous amount of reasons. The main reason that researchers believe that the government should be regulated is that they believe that this world would be a nervous wreck if it wasn't. Some researchers believe that certain things shouldn't be exposed for the mental benefit of citizens. Though a lot of things are exposed in the media, a lot of things are also left out. What would our world be like if we knew everything, if we saw everything?

There have been several arguments when it comes to regulating content on social media. Social media users have choices on what sources they use or post, but if something is posted that offends or harms the government, it can be taken down. Social media users who sought out to expose or down the government on social media are most likely to get their accounts suspended and some researchers believe that the government even goes as far as to hack into the personal social media user's account. This can cause conflict or either just shut those up who have an ongoing issue with the government. At the end of the day, social media will always be social media, and strongly opinionated social media users are like addicts, they can't help but use social media as their voice and in many cases, it is necessary to do so. In conclusion, I believe that the media is influenced by the government. The media is politically influenced for the most part. The government realizes that the media helps shape their world and tactics for citizens of society. The quality of the media aligns with what the government needs to be frank.

 

 

 https://www.britannica.com/art/television-in-the-United-States/Media-versus-the-federal-government

https://www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/comment/a-strong-relationship-between-media-and-government-is-vital-1.825297

 

Freedom of Act (Info Act)- 10

 

    The Freedom of Information Act is simple. It allows anyone to request information unless the information is disclosed. The news and media are powerful people when it comes to holding the government up to their standards as well as holding the government accountable for repeated mistakes. The media has filed over 300 Freedom of Information Act cases since 2020. Lawsuits can be filed by reporters or the reporter's organization if seen best fit. The main media workers that rely on the Freedom of Information Act are journalists.

            Many journalists rely on FOIA to gather much-needed information as well as to enhance the interest of their content. Before I get ahead of myself Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is when the law allows citizens such as corporations, journalists, and members of the public to request public information and public records. Allow me to mention that just because you can request public records, that doesn’t necessarily mean you'll receive them. You can ask for information, but agencies often deny requests for various amount of reasons. FOIA can be used and abused in our society by people who don't have a legit reason to obtain someone else's personal information.

            Journalists don’t make up the majority of people who try to use FOIA as a go-to for personal and well, nosey reasons. Journalists often do interviews and already have if not 95% of the information they need. Not to mention, it's hard for a journalist to get a great story out of limited information. Documents are easily accessible when one requests them for emergency reasons, but are documents being requested for the right reasons? Thankfully, there are exemptions.

            The first exemption FOIA has is the protection of natural security. The second exemption is information related to malicious and personal reasons, and this can be tricky because this exemption can cause investigation if needed. The third one is information being provided and disclosed by the l.aw itself. Even though the media has filed many cases relating to FOIA, some believe that the media or those who work for the media abuse their authority and misuse the law to create unnecessary stories for their corporation's views. Some government agencies have been knowing to abuse their jobs on whether to give information out as well. This makes me understand why research says the FOIA is an 'Imperfect' tool to society. It can sometimes be too accessible with minimum restrictions.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2018/03/16/sex-abuse-secret-surveillance-freedom-information-requests-have-helped-uncover-truth/431469002/

https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/oct/29/freedom-of-information-journalists-chris-grayling-foi

           

Global Media & Law Ethics- 9

 

   

     Global Media & Law Ethics is labeled as the first comprehensive cross-cultural exploration of the conceptual and practical issues facing mass media ethics in the global world according to Wiley’s research. There are many global ethical cases in society and media law & ethics as we dive deeper into research. The importance of media and law ethics is that it exposes information and protects journalism and different aspects of the media in ways it needs to be protected. There are many skills to media law and ethics that students can learn by researching cases that align with global media and law ethics. One of the most essential things to learn when comes down to global media and law ethics is how it is favorable to copyright and ethical regulations to the media.

            Global Media and Law Ethics develops principles that are comprehensive to journalism. Understanding how Global Media and Law Ethics works empowers reporters of journalism to know how and when they report important stories. Whether the stories carry trending topics like sports, fashion, and entre-puer ship, the reporter needs to use the knowledge they have from global media and law ethics before reporting a story and releasing content relating to the news story. This knowledge aligns with the reporter or journalist having confidence in their work.

            The lessons from Global Media and Law Ethics teaches us to avoid conflict in the media as well. It is best to learn about the importance of avoiding 'trial by media'. Trial by Media is defined as the impact of television and newspaper coverage on one's reputation. If you face a trial by media case you could possible get a two-year sentence of jail time. Learning to comply with restrictions as a journalist and reporter is important simply because it is essential to do your job without it backfiring.

            Journalists and reporters also have the responsibility to learn privacy laws. Privacy laws are usually initiated by celebrities who have valuable information that can't be shared for the public to see. Though some celebrities permit journalists to leak private information about their lives, journalists still have to be careful with how they do so by asking the celebrity questions and having them sign a contract of consent. There are times where it is okay for a journalist to do their research about a celebrity's personal life, but the worker has to be careful and consider not to release the information they have acquired from their research is ran by the celebrity first. Writing with approved references is important in the media world. Any writer should refrain from using words and images that aren’t their own as well. When using the knowledge of Global Media & law Ethics writers and media workers also have to be sure to use social media wisely when promoting your work. Social media posts spread just as fast as the news on television. Though journalists are expected to post their work on social media websites, they have to be wise with what they post or wise with the content they choose to put out for the public to receive. In conclusion, Global Media & Law Ethics is one of the most essential learning aspects in the world of media and mass media.

https://www.sunderland.ac.uk/study/explore/arts-creative-industries/media-law/

https://socialjumpstart.com/social-media-save-world-economy/

Misinfo & Fact Checking- 8

 

    

    Misinformation is defined as incorrect or misleading information according to the research from Ohio University. Misinformation makes fact-checking essential in the media world because receiving the wrong information can form sensible opinions. Misinformation is portrayed in the media daily, whether it be on television or our favorite social media websites. Many examples can shed light on why misinformation is an issue in today's society. Misinformation isn't relevant to the world we live in and it honestly makes the media not be seen as essential in some cases.

          Misinformation has been a big issue for social media. Some misinformation comes from political aspects for the most part. The thing about receiving misinformation is how social media gurus aren't aware of the effect it has on them. Sharing misinformation can make others question one's credibility and fact-checking skills. Facebook has made a warning with a post that is formed that may include misinformation which I find essential from my perspective. A lot of lies are posted on social media and it spreads fast like a rumor. Most people who are quick to share information have somewhat of an issue of sharing accurate information on social media.

          For researchers, it can be difficult to overlook misinformation. Smart researchers can be wise enough to fact-check before sharing information that they feel would be credible and helpful to the public eye. Another possible issue is that social media users are most likely to believe information that is false than accurate information. The reason why social media users are likely to believe misinformation is because they rely on social media apps and websites to be their main source of information. Over the past years, social media has a platform as the main source for daily news. Traditional media isn't as thrilling for the millennial age. Everything we are connected to is through social media which makes it easier for misinformation without fact-checking and credibility to be accessible most of the time.

          The importance of fact-checking the media can be alarming to those who are unaware. According to research, being able to recognize outrageous headline stories. If one sees a headline story that seems off or abnormal they should dive deep into research before posting or sharing. A way to help shut down the post that includes misinformation is to research and share information about the credibility that it is missing. Checking biases can also help remove misinformation on social media as well.

          What makes fake news on social media so scary or dangerous is the people who leak misinformation knowingly for their selfish reasons. For example, certain blogs will buy any storyline that can bring more views to their websites. Certain blogs only want attention for their brand and website, so what better way to receive views and attention by reporting, buying, and reporting a juicy story that includes inaccurate information? Learning about the ins and out of misinformation and fact-checking reveals that most news stories are fabricated or fake, covering up the truth from society.

https://onlinemasters.ohio.edu/masters-public-administration/guide-to-misinformation-and-fact-checking/

https://yali.state.gov/importance-fact-checking/

Exploiting A News Story- 7

 

Exploitation is defined as the act of treating someone unfairly to benefit from their work. Taking advantage of someone and their work for your own benefit is a great example of exploitation. Exploitation in the news can be many things when it comes to the media. Many types of exploitation can happen in the news that could break and even make one's career. Exploitation is of course wrong because it degrades victims as well benefits others who don't deserve it.

Many articles and news stories carry exploitation. A news article on conversation.com has over 50 articles that touch bases on topics that relate to exploitation. An article that was posted on October 12th, 2017 exploited workers in Mexico. "Molar City" better known as Los Algodones had more than 500 aspiring dentists. The reporter gained access to "Medical Tourism" during his at the little town in New Mexico and did his research. He expressed how most people were happy to have good benefits when it came to medical and dental care. The exploitation was how some residents weren't too fond of how it all worked. According to the journalist's research from interviews with residents of Los Algodones, one person that was interviewed expressed how they see people who travel to Los Algodones expect to get free medical and dental care or cheaper treatment due to it being Mexico. Another interviewer expressed how it was a lot of racism in the industry as well as things being difficult to change.

Another news exploitation story touched base on the topic of what it is like to work and live illegally in Australia. Many workers were exploited over the fact of making illegal money away from their homes outside Australia to make money to support their families. The journalists exploited information referring to how workers were only tourists and didn't have the rights to be an employee in Australia. Not only were workers who had no work rights in Australia exposed, but so were Australians. Some Australians had the job to recruit workers outside of the country, workers who they know weren't able to afford work anywhere else.

The last article I reviewed and researched talked about women in South Africa who were rightfully sex workers of their own free will. Of course, it's degrading, but this is the type of exploitation that needs to be reported right? Women of South Africa who sex workers received decriminalization in the country which allowed them to continue to settle as prostitutes or escorts if they wanted to, though it is a crime. Decriminalization had become a big issue in South Africa. Prostitution was being justified if not still. The journalists expressed how amazed they were and even disturbed by seeing women who wanted to use their bodies as a meal ticket or profit.

The thing about exploitation in the news is, it can be offensive, but in rare cases, it should happen to help people see the truth behind other cultural societies. Though some stories are wrong to exploit certain people and countries, some things just need to be revealed so we can know what's taking place in our cruel and sometimes shocking world. From my perspective, I don't think that exploitation in the news or exploiting a certain news story is wrong unless it hurts or harms the victim who is a part of the story, however, I do believe for abnormal things to change in the world should be reported to save victims and stop harmful cultural practices.

https://theconversation.com/us/topics/exploitation-18686

https://www.stopthetraffik.org/about-human-trafficking/types-of-exploitation/

Copyright & Fair Use- 6

 

    Copyright and fair use is two completely different aspects to be informative. Copyright is defined as a form of protection grounded in the United States Constitution and granted by law for original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression. Fair use is defined as a legal doctrine that promotes freedom of expression by permitting the unlicensed use of copyright-protected works in certain circumstances. Copyright and fair use in the media however is practically the same thing, Copyright and fair use in the media is the right to use any permitted media material without any payment or permission under any circumstances.

    When someone shares their creative work such as a song, book, or even design in the media it is rightfully their work right? Though you cannot freely post someone else’s copyrighted work on social media, you can still share it with certain guidelines. For example, if someone goes live on social media with music playing in the background that’s not their creative work the person has to add ‘I do not own the copyrights of the music playing in the background’ to proceed with their video and post. There are many exceptions when it comes to copyright and fair use. Things that are educational-related online are most likely to be in the category of fair use, while a quote that is posted as a Facebook status is most likely to be considered copyrighted. 

    Copyright is protection from offenses against the owner. Fair use is more open than copyright material because in many situations it is fair to use. YouTube has the most noticeable copyright and fair use policy and procedure that I have seen in many cases. YouTube allows copyright tools that give YouTubers control over their work. Many YouTubers use their favorite songs in their video's intros, if the song's link isn't posted in the video's description, the creator of the video will be charged or the sound of the video will be deleted by YouTube. According to YouYube’s policy, it doesn't matter how long you use the song, it no longer makes a difference. Though some videos and websites tell you how you can use a copyrighted song on YouTube without restrictions it is merely impossible to do.

            Independent creators on YouTube have found their way not to rely on moving to Hollywood to make it big in the public figure industry because the dependence becomes tricky and even unfair. Even with record deals, it is easier to go independent as an artist rather than selling your creativity to someone else to make money off of someone else. I say this because YouTubers who have consistently had issues with copyright and fair use have found a way to work smarter instead of harder. Instead of using copyrighted songs, many YouTubers have taken the money they make from their vlog earnings, booked studio time, and recorder their songs, pretty clever, right? Understanding the significance and importance of copyright and fair use is essential to those who are new to YouTube and even starting a business. There are many examples and guidelines to help share the importance of each term.

https://www.eff.org/wp/unfiltered-how-youtubes-content-id-discourages-fair-use-and-dictates-what-we-see-online

Reporter's Privilege- 5

 

    According to research, the idea of reporter's privilege is that a journalist has limited access to the first amendment and does not have to reveal information that they aren't comfortable with revealing. As a reporter, I imagine how hard it could be to choose not to say something uncomfortable due to the backlash one may receive for choosing not to do so. In the year 2019, many journalists were fined and locked up for refusing to share confidential sources and information about their jobs. Organizations like the 'Reporters Freedom Committee' help journalists fight cases as such. 

            Journalists face numerous amount of legal threats for upholding the standards of their jobs. The Reporters Committee study's cases about journalists and the journalist's job and organization. The Reporters Committee has helped many people from the 1950s to now. There are over twenty cases that have been fought by a journalist with the help of The Reporters Committee. 'Freedom of Press' is also involved in cases about a journalist having legal rights relating to their jobs.

    The Reporters Committee's intention is to keep access private when it comes to privacy interests or journalists and certain companies. We have seen scenes in movies where if a person doesn't share information, private information that they'll get locked up with the key thrown away, journalist and media specialist that are in front of behind the camera struggle with this issue often in the world of mass media. In the year of 2006, a vlogger was in jail for a month for refusing to share videotape that the FBI claimed included protestors destroying a police car. Josh Wolf, who was the vlogger who refused to give the feds the take was released on bail to only be placed back into jail after his hearing.

Qualifying for reporters' privilege has its pros and cons in the media world. For a reporter to qualify for reporter privilege they have to be fully engaged in their occupation. Some believe that reporter's privilege comes with a series of issues and problems while others feel that reporters have every right to file the protection to uphold their job titles and appeal under court orders. I believe that reporters should continue to have the right to reporters' privilege and not have unpublished possibly published to the public. It's also important that reporters and journalist protect their sources because a lot of things could go sour if they don’t.

If reporters don’t take action to protect their sources they could be sued or even worse, fired. Some reporters are forced to reveal information anonymously until it is revealed to the public. A lot of advantages and disadvantages. The whole point is, reporters' privilege is a basic human right in the world of media. Issues may vary during reporters privilege cases, but it is however necessary. The reason is that it is necessary is because it aligns with politics as well as protects job titles that are needed in society.

https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/amdt1_3_1/

https://online.maryville.edu/blog/journalist-vs-reporter/