Study Guides

Unit Summary

In this unit students explore the roles and responsibilities of the media and the important role it plays within society.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain the different responsibilities the media has and what happens if the media breaks the rules.

Key Notes

• We expect the media to be accurate, verify facts and act independently without personal benefit, in the public interest.
• Journalists take responsibility for their work, put their name to it, and aim to inform and explain important issues.
• The media must follow the law and the rules in the NUJ Code of Conduct and Editors' Code of Practice.
• The media are responsible for respecting privacy, providing truthful, accurate information and avoiding discrimination.
• If the media break these rules, IPSO or OFCOM can investigate, leading to legal action, mistrust or other consequences.

Vocabulary To Learn

• media: forms of communication like radio, television, newspapers, magazines and the internet, that reach or influence people
• responsibilities: duties that we are expected to do as a citizen of a country, as part of a job role or as a member of a community

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• The media can report whatever they like, there are no consequences.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• Does the media create more harm than good? Study Guide
• How does the media hold those in power to account? Study Guide
• Should we believe everything we see in the media? Study Guide
• What is the media? Study Guide
• What is the role of the media in a democracy? Study Guide