Hot Topic - Media in Australia
Defamation and libel lawsuits in relation to media houses arise on occasion, seemingly with greater recent frequency. Publishers or broadcasters can be stung for issuing false, defamatory or libelous claims against persons or entities with intent to do malicious harm. But media houses, too, use these lawsuits, often to punish critics with egregious legal fees. Around the world, different jurisdictions have varying approaches to defamation and libel laws. Punishment is the thread through them all.
The dynastic war between new digital media platforms, no longer so new, and legacy publishers, widely seen as elderly, over legal provenance has taken many turns and twists. Publishers turned to lawmakers for financial redress. The digital platforms, largely owned by American technology concerns, mounted defence in the courts. The battle over links and snippets is entering a new phase.
These are great times for economists. A year or so ago public health scientists were getting all the attention, particularly infectious disease specialists. Before that climatologists had starring media roles, however briefly. Their feature may actually be in reprise. Economists are called to explain inflation - increasing prices - and recession - declining economic activity. Sometimes they delve into solutions for both. They use charts and graphs.
Troublesome is an apt description of social media platforms. They are big, popular, rich and powerful. How to reign them in? Or should they be reigned in? These are the questions that try mens' souls.
Social media platforms have been roundly disparaged for failing to curb misinformation, fake news and hate speech. It is an expensive proposition for them, risking profits and share prices. The other risk, negative consumer opinion, can also be costly, particularly when lawmakers add to the rain on their parade. That free speech defense collapses when real lives are at risk from disinformation. When advertisers and telecoms, the financial backbone, are unwilling to put their own brands at risk social media platforms hit the brakes.
Professional organizations offer valuable cohesion for those who toil in the media sphere. This goes beyond the usual newsletters and awards ceremonies. Advocacy is no longer reserved for unions. These groups identify with specific interests and no longer shy away from difficult or controversial positions. After all, the coronavirus pandemic and resulting economic malaise threatens each. And, too, don’t forget the dictators.
See also...
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Media in Spain - Diverse and Challenged – new
Media in Spain is steeped in tradition. yet challenged by diversity. Publishers hold great influence, broadcasters competing. New media has been slow to rise and business models for all are under stress. Rich in language and culture, Spain's media is reaching into the future and finding more than expected. 123 pages, PDF. January 2018
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The Campaign Is On - Elections and Media
Elections campaigns are big media events. Candidates and issues are presented, analyzed and criticized in broadcast and print. Media is now more of a participant in elections than ever. This ftm Knowledge file reports on news coverage, advertising, endorsements and their effect on democracy at work. 84 pages. PDF (September 2017)
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Fake News, Hate Speech and Propaganda
The institutional threat of fake news, hate speech and propaganda is testing the mettle of those who toil in news media. Those three related evils are not new, by any means, but taken together have put the truth and those reporting it on the back foot. Words matter. This ftm Knowledge file explores that light. 48 pages, PDF (March 2017)
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