The Media today has an obligation to broaden the minds of our readers, our viewers, our listeners, but first we need to broaden our own. Certainly we cannot be all things to all people. But, we must never stop trying. Media is part of the agent for change in diversity but it can't be the whole thing.
Consumers used to get their news from newspapers, magazines and evening broadcasts from the three television networks. Now, with the Internet, cable TV and 24-hour news networks, the news cycle is faster and more constant, with every minute carrying a new deadline. But clearly more news and more news outlets are not necessarily better. And just because the press has the ability to cover a story doesn't always mean they should -- or that they'll do it well.
Many times the media has been found to overstep their bounds. Versus reporting the news—they create it, invent it. Is this how we want to view our world today? Should we live by seeing the news which has been created to obtain mere ratings? I say no. The media often times has forgotten its place in society. There was a time when the media brought up to date information, and was trusted by each and all.
The primary function of the media is expression. In the book Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, a literary classic, the subject of censorship is brought to the front. The protagonist, Montag, burns books occupationally to prevent the spread of conflicting opinions, but later comes to grips with his situation and promotes literature. This is obviously a statement against censorship, which, at the time, was a very popular issue with parents.
The struggle between protecting one’s reputation and the great freedoms guaranteed the press has brought about a tort system that appears at times complex and confusing. It is essential for reporters to know the limits on infringing upon one’s reputation which can result in libel or slander, invasion of privacy and copyright and trademark violations. All could be very costly for the news media and taint a reporter’s reputation.
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