Mass Comms reading quiz #4

The First Amendment

The First Amendment

• Allows freedom of religious practice

• Right to assemble

• Right to petition the government

• Free and open speech

Alien and Sedition Acts (1798)

A series of 4 acts passed by the US congress. Prohibited sedition or spoken or written criticism of the US government and imposed penalties of a fine or imprisonment on conviction. Expired in 1801

The Fourth Estate

Another term for the press or journalism, which acts as a fourth branch of government, one that watches the other branches

Chilling Effect

The phenomenon that occurs when journalist or other media producers decide not to publish stories on a topic after a journalist has been punished or jailed for such a story

Prior Restraint

When the government prevents or blocks the publication, broadcasting, showing, or distribution of media content, whether in print, over the air, in movie theaters, or online

Clear & Present Danger

A restriction on speech that meets both of the following conditions: (1) it is intended to incite or produce dangerous activity (as with falsely shouting "fire!" In a crowded theater), and (2) it is likely to succeed in achieving the purported result

Preferred-position balancing theory from Mass Media Law by Don Pember

A legal theory that says that a balance must be struck between speech and other rights, although speech has a preferred position

Libel

The publication of false statements that damage someone's reputation. An opinion is not libel.

Slander

Libel except spoken not written

What 3 elements should be met in order for something to be libel or slander?

1. Defamation, 2) Identification, & 3) Publication

Shield Laws

A law intended to protect journalists from legal challenges to their freedom to report

New York Times v. Sullivan (1964)

Defined malice so public officials know when they can sue for libel

Censorship

The act of prohibiting certain expression or content. Target a part of the content to prohibit, not the whole

Indecent speech

Regulates some (but not all) profanity

Hays Code

A code established in 1930 by the movie industry to censor itself regarding showing nudity or glorifying antisocial acts. They rate movies G, PG etc.

Telecommunications Act of 1996

The first major regulatory overhaul of telecommunications since 1934, designed to open the industry to greater competition by deregulating many aspects of it