Brief summary of activity
Lecture and case study
Aim of the activity
To explore:
The difference between ethics, morals and public opinion
The issue of the relativity of values and a discussion on the value vacuum (equality)
Code of professional values
Freedom of speech
The values of free media
The legal definition of mass media with a focus on radio
The legal definition of a journalist
Expected Outcomes
To raise awareness of the great responsibility that journalists/broadcasters/people working in the mass media have towards society
To increase awareness of the legal framework of an all-round broadcaster’s work
Experience and skills required
Background knowledge of media law and regulation, and of the professional codes in the country/region.
Infrastructure, setting, resources
For visually impaired/blind participants and trainees with learning difficulties, a room with video/audio playback might be required.
Material
Handouts (these can be printouts of the country / region media regulation and recommendations from groups of interests / advocacy, journalists bodies / Media Councils, etc)
Audio materials
How the activity should take place
The instructor will give a lecture on the typical conflict of values and interests and their influence on radio production within the all-round broadcaster model; methods and techniques for overcoming these conflicts in the context of Western European culture. There will be a case study on the conflict between the public’s interest to be informed and the fundamental human right of protection of one’s dignity. Examples of good practice will be given. The participants will be asked to find a publication where this conflict of interest is evident. This can be done as homework and then discussed with the instructor in the classroom.
Recommended max. number of participants and trainees to trainers ratio
10 (visually impaired/blind participants and trainees with learning difficulties, 4 to 1)
Risk and possible adaptation
For Vision impaired / Blind participants and trainees with learning difficulties, it is a good idea to use audio (for the first group) or video recordings of the cases presented.
Tips for Trainers
Make the session as interactive as possible to ensure participants remain engaged during the workshop.
Requirements for participants
For visually impaired/blind participants and trainees with learning difficulties, it is a good idea to use audio or video recordings to illustrate the cases presented.
Analysis and evaluation
Do the participants understand:
The difference between ethics, morals and public opinion
The issue of the relativity of values and equality
Code of professional values
Freedom of speech
The values of free media
The legal definition of mass media with a focus on radio
The legal definition of a journalist
Scheduling
Before or alongside Research