Andrew Evans Response Questions

I. Freedom of Expression

The zone for freedom of expression in America is much more complicated than Schudson hints at and has developed to include protection of speach within certain large perameters. The first amendment was originally interpreted in a restrictive manner. Cases ruled along the lines of William Blackstone's idea that speech should be promoted as long as it does not interfere with government activities, for which everyone was held accountable. This meant that the government and courts, while not resorting to the outright denial of printing rights, could take extensive action against the press. Eventually, the courts began to change their opinion of the first amendment and thus the law. The bad tendency test, which relied on the ability of speech to create harm, was proceeded by the clear and present danger test. Subsequent cases began to accept such developments. Due to these developments, freedom of expression means many different things. Under the tests and even cases that will need to be retried from previous interpretations, freedom is greatest among adults and dissipates with relation to age and situation, say government employment and media. Prisoners have the least rights. In the interest of the media, they are allotted nearly the same rights as government employees. Which means that media can print as long as it does not harm others, make false accusations, or commit various other acts such as violating statutory law. The supreme court has dealt with media extensively. The zone for freedom of expression is constantly changing and for media the current zone includes some limitations, many reasonable.

Against this backdrop, which developed with the development of the press and continues to do so, more freedom of expression basically means that anything that could potentially hinder the ability of the state to govern or even harm others. This would mean granting the media the ability to keep sources secret and operate with almost complete freedom. While sensationalism is great, harming others can be dangerous. For media and government relations, the freedom of expression currently granted has posed a problem. The Plame investigation has forced the government to tighten its control on information. Granting more freedom may jeopardize many even more. More freedom of expression would mean reducing limitations that allow government to continue unhindered and could greatly damage members of society.

II. Fair or Free

The idea that media can be fair or free relies on a spectrum created by either printing beliefs in a biased manner or accepting both sides and printing information that pertains to both. Either the journalist prints what they want or compromises and gives adequate treatment to both sides.

III. Form
Form is the style used to write a news report, either in the hard news style or feature format. It is the way in which the story is told. This comes in several different formats can be mixed but have, as Schudson mentions, authorized the journalist as an expert explaining which facts are most important (Schudson, 185). While many journalists do not see themselves as experts, they must be knowledgeable about what they are describing due to the need to present fact, leading to the connection between sources and experts.

IV. Culture
Cultural anamolies, events, people, or anything against the cut and dry idea of society, are present in the news. The relation between the widely held belief that Americans are too litigious and an anti-tort sentiment stemming from the idea that Americans are hard working individuals is present within the media. The Plaintiffs are often presented as trying to bilk defendants out of money. What Schudson claims is present with homosexuality is present with tort cases as well. Cultural anamolies do exist.

Beyond anamolies, the media has remained incorrectly silent during times of security, danger, and tragedy. It is my opinion that the media needs to be active. Times such as these see great government activity that takes away freedom in the sake of security. After September 11, the media stood by and watched as the patriot act was enacted and advocated for the war in Iraq. The opportunity was present to criticize the activities. As long as they do not interfere with legitimate efforts, they should do so. These times deserve media attention since journalists are willing and capable of criticizing the government.

V. News, Emotion, and the Attention Span

Humans definitely develop an emotional attachment to news. Schudson remarks that the personality, voice and looks of the local anchor mattered most in television news (Schudson, 172). This meant that an emotional connection was made to the person. Researchers note that not only can newspapers connect with individuals but that even advertising can promote a response.

VI. Changing Papers

Catering to an audience of readers, extensive or mixed, means providing what is necessary and safe. In this instance providing relevant and substantive information is important. This allows for the time-filling function to exist while providing relevant information to the small number of individuals who need it. It also allows for the harm of sensationalism to be reduced. This type of news can change public opinion. While this can have obvious implications of society it also destroys the newspaper by advancing claims of cynicism. Newspapers can change to provide what readers want and reduce harm to themselves and society.