Week 6: Commercial Media

From what I learnt this week, I think there is a need for both commercial and public media. The big question we looked at was "Can commercial media deliver on both commercial (profit) and social ('public trust') functions? (Or is it really just about the might $$$?)" 

Since we have controls in place such as: formal state requirements, legal prescription and state oversight, I think it is possible for commercial media to deliver on both commercial and social functions. Of course, the motivation is primarily for profit but there are many great commercial media sources. 

We also learnt about the future of commercial media. While I think trying to put paywalls is a questionable move, I definitely agree with greater competition, better quality and moving existing customers to digital. 

Social responsibility of The Media in a Democracy:

1. a truthful, comprehensive, and intelligent

account of the day’s events in a context which

gives them meaning;

2. a forum for the exchange of comment and

criticism;

3. the projection of a representative picture of the

constituent groups in the society;

4. the presentation and clarification of the goals

and values of the society;

5. full access to the day’s intelligence.

(Hutchins Commission 1947) 

I was very interested by the Hutchins Commission because although it was written a long time ago it still is very applicable and relevant to the producers of today's media. I think as budding journalists we all have a responsibility to pay attention to the ethics behind the media we produce and make sure that we are fulfilling the responsibilities of the media in a democracy.