Croteau/Hoynes: Media/Society, 5th Edition
Chapter 3: Political Influence on Media
Discussion Questions
1. Why would the media industry support some forms of government regulation? Explain
and give two examples.
2. Describe how various media are regulated differently. What have been the justifications
for different forms and levels of regulation?
3. What are the arguments for and against regulating in the “public interest”? What
arguments are made by those who support a “free market” approach to mass media
policy?
a. Advocates of regulation generally argue that government must intervene on behalf
of the “public interest” to counter the influence of powerful media conglomerates.
What are some potential problems with this position?
4. Explain the general differences between the philosophies that underlie liberal and
conservative views about media regulation.
5. In what situations do you think the government has the right to regulate media content?
Explain why you believe what you do.
6. Explain the differences between indecent material, pornography, and obscene material.
Which are legal? What regulations apply to different categories?
7. Almost no one believes that the U.S. media should be able to print or broadcast
information during wartime that could endanger U.S. troops. However, the military also
believes that the media should not publicize information that might adversely affect troop
1