MASS MEDIA LAW Media means communication the means

MASS MEDIA LAW Media means communication the means used to communicate information. (СМИ означает связь средств, используемых для передачи информации)

We can use a variety of media to communicate ideas through print media, newspaper, magazines, radio, TV films and advertising. Мы можем использовать различные средства массовой информации для передачи идей через печатные СМИ, газеты, журналы, радио, телевизионных фильмов и рекламы.

Much of the information transmitted by the media is neutral : does not offend anyone or interfere with the rights of others. However the right to communicate is limited with restrictions introduced to protect the right to privacy, government secrecy, the right not to have one's reputation ruined unjustifiably. Media Law, therefore, concerns itself with controlling the right to freedom of expression and considering whether these limits represent a reasonable balance between competing interests.

British law regards free speech as a very good thing so long as it does not cause trouble, at which point it can become expensive speech, followed by costly court actions, fines and damaged and occasionally imprisonment. There is no right to privacy in English law. However, more recently, there were recommended some reforms. Problems arise in defining the point beyond which the press's right to freedom of expression and inquiry becomes an unacceptable intrusion upon an individual's right to privacy. It is claimed that necessary investigative journalism will cease due to fear of criminal prosecutions.

The actions in Mass Media causing trouble for which people bear legal responsibility are follows: 1. National Security - Secret or official information should not be revealed in Mass Media; 2. Breach of Confidence - A person should not take advantage of confidence gained from the plaintiff or anonimous sources; 3. Defamation - Discreditation of someone’s reputation libel (in written form) and slander (orally); 4. Blasphemy – speaking in an irrelevant and insulting way about God; 5. Obscenity – presentation of morally disgusting facts.

To sum up the mass media play an important part in our lives. Newspaper, radio and especially TV inform us of what is going on in this world and give us wonderful possibilities for education and entertainment. They also influence the way we see the world and shape our views.

Thanks for attention!