Explain three of the five common ethical focuses of media activism today. What characterizes the concerns of activists within each area? What changes do you think are appropriate, if any?

Question

Please provide the best answer for the best statement.

Answer 1

Answer: Media activism is the practice of organizing to communicate displeasure with certain media images and messages, as well as to force change in future media texts. The first area of ethical focus of media activism is the concern over the impact of media images on children. Complaints about content in television shows and its influence on children led to the creation of the TV Parental Guidelines, which are a self-regulating system of the television industry that rate programs in terms of appropriateness for particular age groups. The second ethical focus of media activists has been distortions perpetrated or reinforced by media. The concern here is that such portrayals create stereotypes and misunderstandings. Minority groups, in particular, have had such concerns. A third category of activist groups has focused on structural issues in media industries and the consequences for how news content is constructed and broadcast to consumers. They question whether, within a profit-making environment, making money influences what stories are covered. The fourth ethical focus of media activists has been to find and provide media texts that offer alternatives to mainstream sources. Many newspapers, radio programs, and Internet sites are available for those who want alternatives to mainstream news media coverage so that they can hear a diversity of voices and opinions. Finally, some activists use media to communicate specific ethical concerns and messages to a wide audience. Thus, despite the fact that they lack the backing of huge media conglomerates, activists have used media to educate or influence audiences regarding cruelty to animals; the situations in Palestine, Guantánamo, and Afghanistan; violence against women, etc.