Mass Comm ch.14&15

Free Speech/Free Press

the constitutional protections for media expression under the first amendment

Regulators/Regulations

agencies or bodies that set and enforce rules for media industies beyond constitutional rights

Defamation

false statements presented as facts that harm someones reputation

libel

defamation in written/printed form 

slander

defamation in spoken form

invasion of privacy

when media practices encroach on individuals’ private lives without consent or legal justification

copyright law/intellectual property protections

laws that protect creators rights over their work, preventing unauthorized use or reproduction

ethics

moral principles or values that guide behavior, especially right vs wrong

ethical models/frameoworks

systematic ways to reason about what is right or wrong

media ethics

applying ethical reasoning specifically to media practices: journalism, broadcasting, digital media, social media

ethical dilemmas

situations where values conflict

personal ethical approach

how a person decides to act when faced with media decisions, influenced by values, context, and ethical reasoning

first amendment

constiutional protection of free speech, free press, religion, assembly, and petition; foundation of media freedom

Regulatory Agencies

government bodies that create/enforce media rules regarding broadcasting, advertising, communication, and consumer protection

actual malice

standard requiring proof that a defamatory statement was made with knowledge of falsity or recjless disregard for the truth

types of privacy torts

intrusion, publication of private facts, false light, appropration

shield laws

laws protecting journalists from revealing confidential sources

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

gives public access to government records unless classified or exempt 

harm principle

avoiding actions that could cause unnecessary harm to individuals or the public