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COMM 2254-Media Ethics Final Exam Study Guide Spring 2001
Chapter 3-Review the tenets of the SAD model and be prepared to apply them. In addition, review the tenets of the Potter Box and be prepared to apply them. Be prepared to compare/contrast the SAD model and the Potter Box. Chapter 7-Be able to thoroughly define conflicts of interest. What are the three broad areas that are typically associated with conflicts of interest within the media? Be sure to identify any sub-categories within each area and provide example(s) of each that are not in your notes or in the book. These include gifts and perks, checkbook journalism, personal relationships, journalist as citizen. Know the three approaches to dealing with conflicts of interest. You all were given a copy of "Family feud: Handling conflicts between journalists and partners" (http://www.journalism.indiana.edu/Ethics/famfeud.html) or "All in the family: When a journalists spouse creates a conflict of interests" (http://www.journalism.indiana.edu/Ethics/allfam.html). Check the web sites if you have misplaced your copy. At the top of each article is a question. Family feud: "When a journalists relationship creates a credibility threat, how do you determine who gives?" All in the family: "Its a situation news organizations face more and more: A journalists spouse or romantic interest poses a potential conflict. Is it fair to "penalize" a reporter for what his mate is doing?" Be able to briefly answer the questions and support your answers with concepts/tenets discussed in chapter 7 (conflicts of interest) of your textbook and in the article. Chapter 8-How do economic interests and moral obligations conflict? Offer examples. Where do economic pressures come from in a capitalistic society? Why are media special? What areas reflect the medias financial interests and the publics interests? Provide an example of the concentration of media ownership and identify problems. The alliance of mass media and marketing has caused ethical problems. Be able to discuss the blurring of editorial and advertising functions of newspapers, the CNN News Stand debacle, the promotion of entertainment shows by the local news, and concerns associated with the Internet. Citing examples from the "20/20" report on Television News and Advertising, which we watched in class, be able to describe the role of advertising in terms of economic pressures and social responsibility. Chapter 9-What two categories do issues surrounding the media and antisocial behavior generally fall into? Media practitioners are in a weak moral position when they break the law. The messages sent to the audience are often "wrong" for two reasons. What are they? What is the ethical dilemma surrounding the notion of copycat crimes (recall our video on copycat crimes) What is the ethical imperative for journalists in terms of covering news? Read the summary of the Branch Davidian crisis and be prepared to answer questions about the ethical decisions made by the media. What guidelines does your author suggest journalists should follow when covering crisis situations, particularly those involving hostages? Should media and law enforcement cooperate with one another? Why or why not? Cite examples to defend your answer. Does violence on television and in the movies increase the aggressive behavior of children? Do programs about crime contribute to the growing crime rate in society? Is the drug culture glorified in prime-time television drama? Should Hollywood be blamed for the decline in family values? Answer one of these questions and briefly discuss how you arrived at your answer. More importantly, discuss who should assume moral responsibility for the menu of the entertainment industry. Cite examples from the text, your own experiences, and/or class viewings and discussions to make your case. Consider guidelines for "ethics of violent content." The teaching of ethics means we must for others, which is a value that lies at the heart of Kants philosophy. What qualities should we foster within ourselves in order to practice civility? Does Jerry Springer have any redeeming qualities from ethical perspective? What is the proper antidote to hate speech? Why? Chapter 10-What does the law say about broadcasting obscene, indecent, or profane language? Is pornography the same as obscenity? What is pornography? What is obscenity? What is the relevance of Miller v. California (1973)? What is LAPS value? What is the relevance of FCC v. Pacifica Foundation (1978)? (Know the details of the case) Define indecency based on the courts decision. How do obscenity and indecency differ? What is a safe harbor? What are three reasons indecency can be regulated? Can indecency be banned? Know the harm principle, paternalism, moralism, and the offense principle and how they relate to making a case for moral limits. What arguments are made against setting moral limits? What standards can be put in place in term of moral limits? Would deontologists have a different view about standards than teleologists? On what bases? Chapter 13-What is a stereotype? Provide media examples of stereotypes. What is the primary harm that accrues from stereotyping? Know the strategies used by deontologists, teleologists, and those applying the golden mean for confronting media stereotyping. © B.L. Yates 2001 |