2.06.2005 History of the media
The Fourth Estate in America: Sex and Violence
Urszula Sienkiewicz, article provided by SAGA Foundation
The media in the United States include many "business sharks" who prioritize their own interests and corporate profits over the public good. The average American spends 8 hours a day on mass media—4 hours on television, 3 on radio, half an hour on recreational music, and the remaining minutes on reading.
Poczytaj artykuł
w wydaniu polskimThis role explains the frequent media interventions in cases where these rights and order are violated by the government or other institutions. I`ve already mentioned leading examples of pro-social media actions—the exposure of the Watergate scandal and the Pentagon Papers on the Vietnam War.
These interventions brought tangible results—due to the exposure of abuses, President Nixon resigned, and the war saw fewer American casualties. Unlike in other countries that are grandly called democratic, in the U.S., journalists cannot be arrested for telling the truth, nor can a newsroom be shut down for actively seeking the truth. On the other hand, the government cannot be defamed unless investigative journalists can prove that governmental statements or actions are directed with particular malice against American society.
However, U.S. media are not only about heroic journalists and reporters fighting for the people`s right to information on government actions. Many "business sharks" focus on their own interests and the profits of their corporations rather than the public good. And since violence and sex sell best these days, many Americans criticize the media—take, for example, Michael Moore, a prominent advocate for reducing crime coverage in the news. Those who have seen "Bowling for Columbine" know what I mean. His idea of driving consumption through fear has many supporters among lawmakers, who have long tried to change the popular belief that "nothing sells like a corpse on the cover."
To address citizens` demands and Congressional pressure, the four main television networks—ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox—established a system in 1993 to inform viewers of a program’s violent nature just before it begins. In 1996, commercial and cable networks went a step further, implementing a system that monitors "doses" of violence, sex, and vulgarity in their programming. Depending on the content, an appropriate symbol appears on the screen during the broadcast to indicate whether children and teenagers should watch the program (a similar system now exists in Poland).
Paradoxically, this system was deemed a violation of the First Amendment in the United States. Since 1998, technological solutions have been applied instead, with televisions now factory-equipped with a V-chip, allowing parents to block broadcasts of programs that children should not watch.
Read all articles in the series The Fourth Estate in America.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
New articles in section History of the media
History of Comcast. How a Modest Cable Company Became a Media Giant
Małgorzata Dwornik
In 1963, it had only 1,200 customers and a dream. Six decades later, it became the world's third-largest media powerhouse. Ralph J. Roberts risked it all to bet on cable television. Did he know what he was doing? The history of Comcast shows that... he knew exactly what he was doing.
Hind Nawfal and Al Fatat. The First Women's Magazine in the Arab World
Małgorzata Dwornik
The Egyptian phenomenon, founded by the "mother of female journalists," lasted only two years in the market. However, in that short time, it accomplished so much for Arab women that it is still called a "revolutionary" today. The Arab "Girl" and its founder were the first significant female voices in this culture.
Vanuatu Daily Post. 30 Years of Struggle (Including Fistfights) for Free Media
Małgorzata Dwornik
Ambition and hard work are not enough to keep a newspaper running. The most popular title in exotic Vanuatu today nearly shared the fate of its many forgotten predecessors. But fate had other plans - thanks to an unexpected reunion and... a phone book. What followed was even more interesting. And not always safe.
See articles on a similar topic:
Playboy. The History of a Magazine Entertaining... Everyone
Małgorzata Dwornik
It was 1953 when young journalist Hugh Hefner took out a mortgage loan and convinced 45 shareholders to finance his idea for an erotic magazine named Stag Party. However, when STAG Publishing threatened to sue for trademark infringement, Hefner changed the name to PLAYBOY.
History of Folha de São Paulo. Brazilian Newspaper with a Guinness Record
Małgorzata Dwornik
The first issue was published on February 19, 1921, and the editorial team... quickly found itself at odds with Brazilian censorship. It was neither the first nor the last time. Over the years, the newspaper has faced countless clashes with the government, the military, and insurgent groups. The editorial office has suffered repression and acts of violence. However, its readers have always stood firmly by its side.
The History of Title Case. Where Did Capitalized Titles Come From?
Krzysztof Fiedorek
Title Case, a style where most words in titles begin with a capital letter, has shaped the look of English publications for centuries. Its roots trace back to the 18th century when the rise of the printing press influenced how information was presented.
Atuagagdliutit Grønlandsposten. The History of Greenlandic News
Małgorzata Dwornik
The first issue, published in 1861, had eight pages, an unusual column numbering system, and a print run of 300 copies. At the time, it was one of the few illustrated newspapers in the world and the first to print in color. Its purpose was to encourage Greenlanders to read - a mission it has continued for 163 years. Today, its motto is: "A week without AG is not a real week."
