Topic 1

Question 1

What does ‘the media’ refer to?

Answer 1

The technology for mass communication, institutions involved in mass communication, and products of those institutions

Includes television, press, cinema, broadcasting, and advertising

Question 2

What is traditional media?

Answer 2

Mass media that communicated uniform, non-interactive messages to large audiences

Examples include terrestrial television, radio stations, and newspapers

Question 3

How does traditional media differ from new media?

Answer 3

Traditional media is non-interactive and homogeneous, while new media is interactive and offers choice

Traditional media requires little consumer choice

Question 4

When did new media emerge?

Answer 4

Late 20th to early 21st century

Characterized by interactivity and screen-based formats

Question 5

What are some examples of new media?

Answer 5

• Social media sites (e.g., Facebook, TikTok)
• Streaming video/audio files
• Digital/satellite/smart television
• Online gaming
• Mobile apps

Includes user-generated content like YouTube videos

Question 6

What is one way old media exists in new media formats?

Answer 6

Newspapers have websites that use multimedia approaches to news

Not just an online version of printed articles

Question 7

True or False: Traditional media allows for a lot of consumer choice.

Answer 7

False

Traditional media offers little consumer choice

Question 8

Fill in the blank: The media communicates with large audiences without any _______.

Answer 8

[personal contact]

This distinguishes mass communication from personal communication

Question 9

What is the significance of the media in society?

Answer 9

The media has a strong influence and hold over society

It shapes public perceptions and culture

Question 11

What is user-generated media content?

Answer 11

Content created by users, such as videos on YouTube.

Examples include social media posts, blogs, and user-made videos.

Question 12

What are some examples of new media formats?

Answer 12

Examples include:
* Websites of newspapers
* Smart televisions
* E-books

These formats often incorporate multimedia approaches.

Question 13

How has the media influenced society?

Answer 13

The media has become a form of secondary socialization, influencing people’s identities.

It shapes opinions and provides entertainment, information, and leisure activities.

Question 14

What was the average daily TV watching time in the UK in 2022?

Answer 14

158 minutes per day.

This reflects the media’s pervasive presence in daily life.

Question 15

What is the expected number of TikTok monthly active users by the end of 2024?

Answer 15

1.8 billion monthly active users.

This indicates the rapid growth and influence of social media platforms.

Question 16

What did Bauman (2007) suggest about information production?

Answer 16

More information has been produced in the last thirty years than in the previous 5,000 years.

A single copy of the Sunday New York Times contains more information than an 18th-century person would consume in a lifetime.

Question 17

What concerns arise from obtaining opinions mainly through media?

Answer 17

Concerns include the media’s power to shape lives and identities.

This raises questions about the accuracy and representation of information.

Question 18

True or False: The media inform us without filtering or obscuring the truth.

Answer 18

False.

The media may filter information and misrepresent certain groups.

Question 19

How does media ownership impact representation?

Answer 19

Ownership affects how things are represented and who the target audiences are.

Main media outlets are privately owned and controlled for profit.

Question 20

What are some formal controls on media freedom in Britain?

Answer 20

Formal controls include:
* The Law
* The Racial and Religious Hatred Act (2006)
* The Equality Act (2010)

These laws restrict the expression of hatred or discrimination.

Question 21

Fill in the blank: The Racial and Religious Hatred Act was enacted in _______.

Answer 21

2006.

This act aims to prevent incitement of hatred based on race or religion.

Question 23

What raises concerns about the power of the media to shape our lives and identities?

Answer 23

Most of our opinions are based on knowledge obtained second-hand by the media.

Question 24

Do the media inform us on information or do they ‘filter’ the information?

Answer 24

They may filter the information and obscure the truth.

Question 25

What are two concerns regarding the media's representation of groups?

Answer 25

* Misrepresentation of certain groups * Stereotyping of certain groups

Question 26

What is the impact of media ownership on representation?

Answer 26

Ownership impacts how things are represented and who is targeted as audiences.

Question 27

What are formal controls on the media in Britain?

Answer 27

The media are free to report, but are restricted by laws such as the Racial and Religious Hatred Act (2006) and the Equality Act (2010).

Question 28

What does Ofcom regulate?

Answer 28

Television, radio, telecommunications, and wireless communication services.

Question 29

What is the aim of Ofcom?

Answer 29

To ensure a wide range of media and protect the public from offensive or harmful effects.

Question 30

How is the BBC funded?

Answer 30

By state funding through television license fees.

Question 31

What distinguishes the BBC from independent broadcasting channels?

Answer 31

The BBC is not a private business and does not rely on advertisement for income.

Question 32

What is IPSO?

Answer 32

Independent Press Standards Organization, a regulator for the newspaper and magazine industry in the UK.

Question 33

When was IPSO established?

Answer 33

In 2014.

Question 34

What did IPSO replace?

Answer 34

The Press Complaints Commission (PCC).

Question 35

What major event led to the Leveson Inquiry?

Answer 35

The phone hacking scandal involving journalists at News of the World.

Question 36

Who initiated the Leveson Inquiry?

Answer 36

Then-Prime Minister David Cameron.

Question 37

What key changes did the Leveson Inquiry propose?

Answer 37

* Replace the PCC with an independent regulatory body * Ensure the body is independent but backed by legislation

Question 38

What was a concern regarding the independence of IPSO?

Answer 38

That it may be a 'puppet' of the big newspaper corporations.

Question 39

Fill in the blank: The Racial and Religious Hatred Act was established in _______.

Answer 39

2006

Question 40

Fill in the blank: The Equality Act was established in _______.

Answer 40

2010

Question 41

True or False: The BBC relies on advertisements for its income.

Answer 41

False

Question 43

What are the two voluntary organisations set up by the newspaper industry for self-regulation?

Answer 43

Ofcom and IPSO ## Footnote These organisations handle complaints about content that breaches acceptable standards.

Question 44

Who led the inquiry into the phone hacking scandal at News of the World?

Answer 44

Lord Justice Leveson ## Footnote The inquiry was initiated by then-Prime Minister David Cameron.

Question 45

What key change was proposed by the Leveson inquiry?

Answer 45

Replacing the PCC with an independent regulatory body ## Footnote The inquiry aimed to ensure independence backed by legislation.

Question 46

Why do journalists argue against state regulation of the press?

Answer 46

Freedom from state regulation is vital to democracy ## Footnote It enables journalists to operate without government interference.

Question 47

What is one method governments use to influence media output?

Answer 47

Official government press conferences and briefings ## Footnote These are used to present government views on current issues.

Question 48

What are leaks and off-the-record briefings?

Answer 48

Informal briefings to manage news reporting ## Footnote They are often reported as 'sources close to the government said...'.

Question 49

What role do government spin doctors play in media manipulation?

Answer 49

They provide a favorable slant to news items ## Footnote They may also attempt to bury bad news.

Question 50

What can happen to journalists who give favorable exposure to the government?

Answer 50

They may receive preferential treatment ## Footnote This includes privileged access to government sources.

Question 51

What is one way a government can restrict media entities?

Answer 51

Refusal to issue broadcasting licenses ## Footnote This is done for those deemed unfit and unsuitable.

Question 52

What significant action did Google take in 2010 regarding its services in China?

Answer 52

Withdrew from China ## Footnote This was due to government hacking to track human rights activists.

Question 53

What is 'The Great Firewall of China'?

Answer 53

A web-filtering system that blocks access to certain internet sites ## Footnote It restricts access to information deemed undesirable by the government.

Question 54

What new law was passed in the UK in 2014 regarding surveillance?

Answer 54

A law allowing police and security services to scrutinize public emails and social media ## Footnote This includes monitoring communications on platforms like Facebook and Twitter.

Question 55

Fill in the blank: Governments may use _______ to monitor mobile calls.

Answer 55

electronic surveillance ## Footnote This includes intercepting communications.

Question 56

True or False: State surveillance is only a concern in democratic regimes.

Answer 56

False ## Footnote Such measures are particularly prevalent in autocratic regimes.