MC 101 Chapter Notes - Chapter 13: Digital Economy, Blic, Web 2.0

• School: University of Alabama
• Department: Mass Communication
• Course: MC 101
• Professor: William J Gonzenbach

Document Summary

1/26/15 10:40 pm: digital integration and impact on the media is the product of social forces especially those involving economics, technology, and policy. Although the courts take action to prevent the publication or broadcast of material deemed obscene, debate continues over what exactly constitutes obscenity and how far it should be controlled: reporters claim a right to keep their sources confidential. Some have been willing to go to jail rather than identify their sources when ordered to do so by the courts. The courts are frequently referees when the right to a free press and other rights conflict. Legislatures and the executive branch also influence the press, both through the formal powers and informal influence over the flow of information. Both bureaucrats and politicians through informal influence can introduce bias in what is reported. The fcc has the power to regulate many aspects of broadcasting but is sometimes less than vigorous in doing so.