Y12 T1W3 Lesson 1: Basics of Media Regulation

Media Regulation

The function and importance of regulating the media.

First, let's learn about some history.

The history of how the first media regulation came about.

History of

Media Regulation

• In the middle age, disciples used to manually copy church manuscripts with handwriting.

• Back then, nobody was taught how to read/write other than members of the church.

History of

Media Regulation

• This way, the church could closely supervise all manuscripts.

• The church could ensure all were in accordance with the church's view, and no ill information of the church was spread publicly.

History of

Media Regulation

• However, soon came the invention of printing press machine.

• With it, information spread faster through easily-duplicated texts.

• The public started to gain skills of literacy – reading/writing weren't only exclusive to the church.

History of

Media Regulation

• The church started to lose control over information being spread.

• As the printing industry expanded, the church took an increasing interest in the content of what was being printed and published.

History of

Media Regulation

• With a view to combat heresy against the church, they started to implement tight regulations to control the spread of information.

• They then created the very first form of "media regulation".

History of

Media Regulation

• The church implemented licensing for all printing press machines – all operations required permits.

• They also implemented the requirement for advance approval by the church authorities before any texts were published.

History of

Media Regulation

• The export and import of books was also tightly controlled or even forbidden.

• Authors and printers could also be severely punished for publications deemed heretical or treasonable.

Now that we've gained some

historical context…

We should've gained some insight regarding the relationship

between the authorities and media producers.

Media Regulation

in a Nutshell

Rules and directive made by the government or authorities, directed to control and guide all public media activities – especially to control media institutions who produce/distribute media texts.

Why do we need to regulate the media?

• Media producers/distributors use public means of communications. Meaning, they have the power to spread information widely.

• To protect the public, this spread of information needs to be supervised.

What if…

The extreme scenarios of media regulation.

What if the media aren't regulated?

• If we don't regulate the media, it means producers/distributors will have unrestricted use of public means of communications, without any form of supervision.

• This unrestricted activities may cause harms to the public.

WWE aired during prime time on TV

TV soap opera with 14-year old actress playing as a wife of the 39-year old actor

Newspaper using sensationalist headlines

Magazine making fun of Muslims and Jewish

Film depicting children dancing in highly objectified dance moves

Video game about school shooting simulation

What if the media are too tightly regulated?

• If media regulation is too strict, it would result in the loss of freedom of press and speech.

• Censorship would be too rampant and there will be risks of persecutions by the authorities.