4.2.3 The role of the media & social media

‘Social media can be defined as websites and applications (such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat) that enable individuals, groups and organisations to make connections and create their own content in real time.’ In contrast, how would you define ‘traditional media’?

• Conventional methods of communicating information to the mainstream public, such as newspapers and magazines, television and radio, that were used before the internet.
• Old-fashioned methods of sharing political information with the public, including nightly news on TV, radio reports and newspapers.
• Conservative media that only portrays traditional viewpoints from certain people in the community
• There is no difference between social media and traditional media; both are useful when it comes to influencing law reform.

True or false: Law reform campaigns that attract maximum community interest and support are the most likely to attract the attention of members of parliament who are in a position to directly influence a change in the law.

• True
• False

Sarah is a university student who is a part of a pressure group. They are organising a rally to protest the government’s inaction over climate change. She wants as many people as possible to attend the rally. What is the most effective way for Sarah to share the word about her upcoming rally?

• Hand out flyers.
• Put a flyer on the noticeboard at her local supermarket.
• None of these options are correct.
• Post on her social media channels.

Each Monday night, Q&A airs on ABC1 at 9:35 pm. A group of expert and high-profile panelists from different political backgrounds gets together to discuss relevant and important topics, such as bushfires, climate change, education, racism and, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic. At home, the audience is encouraged to follow along with the hashtag #qanda and some of those responses from the public appear onscreen during the program. What kind of media is being used here?

• Social media
• Both options are correct.
• Traditional media
• Neither option is correct.

‘Comment on the role of the media in law reform.’ In this question, you are being asked to ‘comment on’ something. What does this mean?

• Offer suggestions about the best course of action or make recommendations.
• Express an opinion or reaction (in order to demonstrate your understanding of it).
• Give a detailed account of a system, process or feature.
• State the exact nature, features, or meaning of a term, feature or concept.