Presents and analyzes ten of the most controversial topics in the media for students of social issues and media classes and their teachers.
Students of media, journalism, and social issues classes will use this book to identify the ten most controversial issues facing the media profession today. Topics include the ever-increasing monopolistic control of the media by conglomerates, tabloid journalism and its impact on the news and plagiarism. Foerstel presents the history of each controversy, important media personalities, and relevant legislation. Students can examine the current status of the controversy and apply critical thinking skills to make predictions on possible future outcomes.
From the paparazzi to Internet censorship, Foerstel highlights significant controversy in modern journalism and the media, specifically noting recent public outcry over the press' abuse of the private lives of celebrities, including the death of Princess Diana, and problems with plagiarism and the excessive use of anonymous sources. Perhaps the most controversial of all media subjects--the battle over First Amendment rights on the electronic frontier of the Internet--is discussed in depth. With the detail Foerstel offers, students receive an up-to-date look at the struggle between those who advocate censorship of material they deem harmful to minors and those who defend intellectual freedom.
Introduction
Monopolistic Control of Journalism
Public Relations and the News
Spies in the Media
Press Controls in Time of War
The Growing Influence of Tabloid Journalism
The Paparazzi: Feeding the Public's Appetite for Celebrities
From Plagiarism to Polemics
Anonymous Sources and the Reporter's Privilege
Pacifying the Electronic Frontier
Microradio's Challenge to Spectrum Scarcity
Index
Reviews
For general readers and lower-division undergraduates approaching media studies for the first time.—Choice
An excellent starting point for student research, this book will also be an eye-opener for anyone who may not realize the extent of corporate and governmental influence on the media. For all academic and public libraries.—Library Journal
An excellent book for journalism and government students and staff--and for anyone seriously interested in understanding the problems facing the Fourth Estate. Highly Recommended.—The Book Report
...journalism students will find this material edifying and sobering and would do well to have it as assigned reading. Other teens interested in how propaganda, corporate structuring, and personality each direct and taint the free press will find the book a treasure trove of help when preparing research papers. Both high school and public libraries should have it available as curriculum support and for readers interested in thinking about modern journalism.—VOYA
