Ethics in Mass Media

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        As long as man has realized the importance of reaching 'the masses' to spread an idea, people in all walks of life have questioned the implications of such mass media. Many people today choose to blame media for societal ills, while others defend complete freedom from censors and filters of all kinds. Somewhere between the two extremes lies the neutral No-Man's Land that media in general cannot seem to find. Or perhaps they choose not to explore the middle ground at all. 
        My research is aimed not at answering the question of whether media are moral or not. Rather, it is designed to inform and allow people to form their own opinions.
 

Objectives

• To attempt to define the responsibilities of mass media.
• To determine the success of today's media in meeting these responsibilities.
• To explore the moral state of mass media

I.  A Brief History of Mass Media Ethics

II. Responsibilities of the Mass Media

    A.  Entertainment and Associated Problems
    B.  Information and Associated Problems
    C.  Influence and Associated Problems
    D.  Cultural Binding and Associated Problems
    E.  Overall Effects of Mass Media

III. Public Opinion of Mass Media Ethics

    A. Presentation
    B. Bias