Freedom of the Press

FREEDOM OF THE PRESS Name Institution affiliation Course Date of Submission Freedom of the Press There has been a constant tendency of the media to dwell on stories that are controversial or Sensational such as murders, kidnappings, sex scandals and such like. According to the American Society of Newspaper Editors, 80 percent of Americans believe that “journalists chase for controversial stories because they believe that it will sell more, and not because they see such news as important. Moreover, 85 percent of the same American public believe that the media often overdramatize some stories just to attract more audiences. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the extent the media bias and distortion in America and the ever growing accessibility of unchecked information much of which is controversial. To expound this topic, I will discuss three topics: What are some controversial subject in the U.S, regulation/controls and ethical reporting. The major points that I wish to cover in this factual report is the fact that objectivity in news coverage is lacking and the specific agendas for the media to dwell on controversy. I will give examples of the instances where the media “sexed-up” stories to attract audiences which should form an interesting read. Among the most controversial issue in America is abortion, and this is largely because it is very divisive. While some people are of the opinion that abortion is good in that it is justified others like the Catholic Church are of the contrary opinion. The subject of affirmative action is controversial in the U.S, and has been so for many years particularly in regards to employment practices for both public and private as well as university enrolment or staff recruitment. There is also the teaching of religion in public schools which is quite controversial in the society today. This controversy has found itself in the Supreme Court in the past 35 years. There is also much controversy surrounding the issue of Doctor-Assisted Suicide or Euthanasia. Some states have indeed passed laws which permit qualified medical practitioners to prescribe lethal drugs to patients who have less than 6 months to live, other states have taken the contrary opinion. One question that comes about in examining the extent of the sensationalized mass media which is bent on churning news that is controversial; a media that has mastered the art of “spinning yarns” what are those who are supposed to control the media in America doing? There has been a cycle of failure around the issue of press regulation in the U.S over the past 60 years. Voluntary self regulation has proved to be unsuccessful for a number of reason and this has led to instances of interventions. At the moment, there are no genuine solutions to the problem and the necessary statutory framework. Print media is largely unregulated; newspapers can publish almost anything provided they do not slander anyone. The Federal Communication Commission issues licenses and regul...