Objective: 1. Develop and employ an “interdisciplinary” (Communication, Sociology, Political Science) lens to critique the journalist’s role in the media and the media’s role in society. 2.Understand the ethical guidelines and laws that govern journalism in the US.
1.New York Times Co. v. Sullivan (1964)
2 Miami Herald v. Tornillo (1974)
3. Blumenthal v. Drudge (1998)
4. Obsidian Finance Group v. Crystal Cox, (2014)
Look up each case above (they are all iconic cases and there is a TON of information about them online) and consider the following:
a. What were the circumstances? (background)
b. What was the legal question?
c. What was the verdict and historical impact? Prior Restraint of Actual Malice?
Response:
These cases deal with defamation and the intersection of the First Amendment and the rights of news media outlets. In a brief 2-3 page essay:
1. What do the court cases tell us about the extent or conditions of First Amendment protection journalists/media outlets?
2. As well, what are potential ways do these cases identify ways media ownership can “chill” a journalist’s ability to inform the public?
*Make sure to utilize the reading material from week 5 & 6 and cite specifics of the cases discussed.
Potential sources:
Oyez.org
supreme.justia.com
caselaw.findlaw.com
**notes from media/society reading: There is a growing trend in United States mass media where we see less diversity with ownership that has contributed to the conglomeration of media and has created negative impacts that include:
A “for-profit” model in broadcast and print journalism leading to the “infotainment” era of news
Agenda setting and repression of certain topics that may set a negative light on corporations
Small media companies are having a difficult time competing with corporations
Possible homogenization of media products
-author’s critical perspective: Conglomeration has been taking place, and smaller media companies have become apart of much larger corporations that own other companies that operate in highly diverse business areas. This may lead to other owners or executives of large corporations forcing their brand ethos onto smaller companies. The consequences of conglomeration may impact all sides of media such as music, film, television, newspapers, books, and advertising.
-Conglomeration in media: Multimedia entertainment giants that produce and distribute films, television, radio, magazines, and newspapers.
By mid 2000s only 5 firms dominated mass media in the United States. The firms are Time Warner, The Walt Disney Company, Viacom, New Corporation and Bertelsmann AG
-example of media conglomerate in reading:Those building media companies may have the chance to use their massive platforms for their own gain. Silvio Berlusconi- an Italian media tycoon and politician utilized his media to gain public office and eventually used it for his re-election into office.
“Berlusconi’s domination of television was so great that, after the 2001 election and again in 2004, the European Federation of Journalists called for new regulations limiting media ownership.” (Croteau, et al, pg.45)
