External Pressures on Media Professionals
Study Questions
What are the benefits to mass media organizations of the coverage of terrorism? Why do media and terrorism have a symbiotic relationship?
What is the most frequent terrorist technique for influencing the mass media? What are the four main objectives?
How do terrorist techniques correspond to the “pseudo-event” strategy described by Boorstin?
Give an example of media irresponsibility that has directly threatened the efforts of the police in terrorism cases. What can the media do to frustrate the aims of terrorists, and what policy options do we have with regard to media response to terrorism?
On the last page of Chapter 5 in Morals and the Media, Russell presents three “Tough Calls.”Answer these three questions for each “tough call” situation.
According to Russell’s categories, what type of economic pressure is being exerted?
What key issues are involved?
Is there an obvious “right choice?” Why or why not?
According to Russell, in what three ways does the government overtly manipulate the media?
What are some other examples of overt manipulation? Explain using at least one example, either from Russell or another source.
Explain some of the ethical problems associated with the distribution of information through press releases and media events.
Why, according to Russell, are broadcasters particularly vulnerable to government manipulation? What role does the CRTC play?
What two views of public relations are introduced? Is it all about persuasion?
What are four reasons that PR professionals are viewed with suspicion as unethical?
Explain the difference between enlightened self-interest and Community/Communitarian/Social Responsibility. Likewise, explain the difference between partisan values and mutual values.
How does the term “public conscience” capture the obligation of public relations professionals to best serve society?
