Chapter 15: Global Media

Exercises

1. Embedded journalists have provided extensive, front-line coverage of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Do you feel this type of media coverage if necessary to provide the public with an accurate depiction of how these wars are unfolding? Do you think the deaths and murders of journalists working abroad in dangerous situations will deter future journalists from covering similar stories?


2. “Small” media were discussed in Chapter 15. Devices such as small digital cameras have been able to tell the world the story of repressive situations and human rights violations occurring in countries across the world. What role will these small, easy-to-use devices play in the future of journalism?

3. Written in 1956, Four Theories of the Press identifies and describes the four major forms of the international press.

•  Source: Who stated the findings in the Four Theories of the Press are no longer applicable? What were their arguments?

•  Analyze & Reflect: What are the major differences between 1956 and present day that would support the argument that the conclusions found in the book are no longer representative of the modern press?

•  Examine: Is there a certain part of the world that seems to be growing out of the four already-identified forms and into a new category? What elements are responsible for this transformation?

•  Conclude: If you agree with critics and believe that one, a few, or all of the four forms of the press identified in 1956 do not apply to modern media, identify those forms and support your arguments as to their lack of relevance. Are new forms of technology-driven media shaping the way media is managed by some governments?