Media Literacy Activity: Comparing Media Regulation Around the World

Introduction

Activity Objective

In this activity, you will apply the critical process to compare and contrast different ways that media is regulated in various nations.

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Reviewing the Critical Process

Developing a media-literate critical perspective involves mastering five overlapping stages that build on one another. Let’s review the critical process you’ll be using below:

  1. 1. Description: paying close attention, taking notes, and researching the subject under study
  2. 2. Analysis: discovering and focusing on significant patterns that emerge from the description stage
  3. 3. Interpretation: asking and answering “What does that mean?” and “So what?” questions about one’s findings
  4. 4. Evaluation: arriving at a judgment about whether something is good, bad, or mediocre, which involves subordinating one’s personal taste to the critical “bigger picture” resulting from the first three stages
  5. 5. Engagement: taking some action that connects our critical perspective with our role as citizens to question our media institutions, adding our own voice to the process of shaping the cultural environment

Description

Research how at least four different nations regulate their media.

Use the text box provided to answer the following question.

Analysis

Building on your research, let’s explore what patterns emerge in how each nation regulates media.

Use the text boxes provided to answer the following questions.

Interpretation

Now, let’s dig deeper into the patterns you identified to interpret your findings.

Use the text boxes provided to answer the following questions.

Evaluation

Next, express your views as you assess your findings on media regulation around the world.

Use the text boxes provided to answer the following questions.

Engagement

Let’s take action! Do you think the United States should change anything about the way that we regulate media? If so, here are some ways to engage with media regulation:

  • Write your elected representatives or the Federal Communications Commission or the Federal Trade Commission.
  • Post your views on social media.
  • Create a petition or contact people in media to see what they think of your interpretation and evaluation.

Use the text box provided to answer the following question.