The purpose of this paper is to express the importance of visual/media literacy and the teaching of critical television viewing. An awareness of the properties and characteristics of television--including camera angles and placement, editing, and emotionally involving subject matter--aids viewers in the critical viewing process. The knowledge of…

Through three real-life examples in and involving Hong Kong during the period from June 1987 to November 1988, this paper analyzes the impact of competition and availability of alternative news sources on the conduct and performance of the communist press in the pluralistic society of British colonial Hong Kong--a media-rich metropolis over which…

The following 12 papers, on a variety of topics, were given at the 1990 meeting of the American Journalism Historians' Association: (1) "'Let Jim Handle It': President Dwight D. Eisenhower's First Heart Attack and Jim Hagerty's Handling of the Media" (Joseph V. Trahan, III); (2) "Eisenhower's Pyrrhic Victory in 1956: Mixed Lessons…

Media content analysts seldom observe the principle that editorial omissions are as telling as what is published or broadcast; hence, the purpose of this paper is to explore, and thus stimulate debate about, editorial omissions or "strategic silence." It is observed that as a concept, strategic silence embraces both tact and…

The Supreme Court's 1954 Brown decision, which addressed itself to the question of race, was as applicable to the national media as to the nation's public schools. In its watchdog role, the media has often preached to government and businesses, without applying the same standards to itself. The media, an industry governed and ruled by white males…

Since "New York Times Co. versus Sullivan," the amount of money spent on libel suits brought against the media, and the amount of money awarded to litigants, has skyrocketed. Most people who file such suits against the media are not seeking monetary damages, but only vindication for damage to their name and reputation. However, they may…

The role of press secretary has attained a new significance during the past ten years because of presidential efforts to concentrate the focus of news on the White House. Originally intended to serve the public, the press secretary is now an important government official who not only conveys information but also explains and defends presidential…

Contending that an examination of the commentary and text of the media can reveal the composition, assumptions, and goals of political opposition movements, this paper analyzes the role of the press and its language of protest in Poland's current political context. The first section of the paper examines the responses of both the official and the…

Established in the early 1970s to respond to complaints about and from the media, the four press councils in Canada (the Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and Windsor Press Councils) have been accepted, but not overwhelmingly so by either newspapers or the public. The success and acceptability of the councils seems to be related to the kinds of complaints…

Although different philosophies may motivate presidential-press relations, causing frequent friction or adversity, there is nevertheless a strong degree of cooperation and collaboration between the press and a president of the United States. This interdependence has been particularly evident in recent administrations, and it progresses…

In the United States Supreme Court's only decision on the question of journalists' protecting their confidential sources (the "Branzburg trilogy" of cases decided in 1972), Justice Lewis Powell emphasized the importance of "striking a proper balance between freedom of the press and the obligation of all citizens to give relevant…

The legal problems faced by publishers of alternative newspapers are often compounded by the limited availability of the funds they have either for legal defense or for initiating lawsuits. Although both the courts and journalism's professional associations theoretically support the position that the alternative press possesses rights identical to…

Two strong constitutional principles--the right of privacy and freedom of the press--are headed for a major confrontation in the courts. This document explores the complex problems involved in balancing the interests of individuals and of society (the first amendment is a remedy against government, not a weapon against the people). Consideration…

The impact of community leadership and attitudes indicated in news coverage on the subject of school integration is discussed as it relates to the flight of white families to the suburbs. (JD)

Reviews the record of the 98th Congress (1983-1984) relating to freedom of information concerns by focusing on legislation proposed during its two sessions. Indicates that, although some significant exemptions from the Freedom of Information Act were considered, generally the proposed legislation supported openness and availability of information.…