Should the media be held accountable for their actions?

Question

Given their history of sensationalizing stories, jumping to conclusions and mis-reporting facts, they've caused a lot of damage to people over the years. They wave the "freedom of the press" clause around like it gives them the right to outright lie. Should laws be enacted that allow for extremely stiff penalties for such offenses, requiring them to compensate their hapless victims? Perhaps even the possibility of losing their license to publish or broadcast, depending upon the number and severity of offenses?

Answer 1

There is no license to publish, but broadcast licenses can be pulled.

Perhaps all we need to do is get rid of the "Sullivan" rule in libel cases. That rule says that where a public figure is concerned, not only does the story need to be false but it needs to be knowingly false or published with reckless disregard for the truth.

Let the private sector and the attorneys do their thing. If it's false, then sue! I'm uncomfortable with a government solution for this, although the media can be atrocious. The answer is for alternative media like talk radio to develop, which it has. (Also, check out Michelle Malkin's reporting about the outright falsehoods printed and not retracted, in the New York Times and other places.) I'm against McCain-Feingold and the "fairness doctrine" too. A government solution in this area would be 100 times worse than the disease!

As far as Iraq is concerned, I think much of the media WANTS US TO LOSE! I don't think Lincoln or FDR would have stood for it. But the solution is for Bush and the administration to be constantly out there, every day, making the case. I don't think they have been.

The solution to bad speech is usually more speech to oppose it, not less.

Great question!

Answer 2

The freedom of speech also has some limits.I believe the press should be charged every time they publish or broadcast information that is stolen classified papers from government agency's.If I steal classified information from my employer & give it out to the public , even if it is for public good then I will be charged with theft. Why should the media be treated different. Stealing is stealing . If I buy stolen property I go to jail. If the media excepts stolen property they make a million & nothing happens. They should be held to the same standard as me. Besides you can only believe half of what they say anyway.

Answer 3

Sooooooo..... whats the concern? a million. harmless woman is a terrible concern. even with the indisputable fact that the define of the activities in that video have been very imprecise. I nonetheless dont understand what relatively happened. in case you choose responsible anybody, blame the scumbag POS mothers and dads. 2. The rushing biker replaced into an fool. The cop did certainly no longer something incorrect. whether we replaced into an off accountability police officer, he remains a cop, to that end constantly given the authority to interfere in a risky or doubtlessly risky regulation. He pointed out himself interior of three seconds and did his job. He biker replaced into later arrested b/c the police thought he violated yet another regulation. He replaced into taken to courtroom and located harmless, even even with the indisputable fact that he's amazingly stupid. So what? 3. The bloody woman: returned, whats the concern? the adult males interior the video stated this replaced right into a 'gotcha' 2d. The video made the law enforcement officials look undesirable b/c you purely observed the tip effect, whilst actual, she deserved to get arrested. particular, the beat cop made a mistake some criminal subject. yet he's no longer a lawyer, he replaced into purely attempting to maintain order in a hectic concern. 4. the student beat with tips from law enforcement officials. it is probable the closest factor to something incorrect. yet returned, the adult males on the video stated that the correct ninety sec of the video have been 'lacking'. we dont understand what or if the new child did something till now that. yet using stress did look severe. Dont be so speedy to tear on the law enforcement officials each and all the time, you dont understand what they are dealing with. Or next time you, your mom, sister, daughter, or spouse have become raped, call a crackhead.... or the law enforcement officials.... yet bear in mind, remind them to bypass hassle-free on the guy.

Answer 4

i certainly believe so. the media in the world today is very powerful and millions of people depend on them to give unbiased, true reports of world events- from fashion to war. the fact that many media representatives have abused that power and in the process destroyed reputations and families is truly appaling. there shuld be stiffer penalties for those found guilty of slander and misrepresentation of facts- steeper fines and more jail sentences.

Answer 5

The US media is used by politicians to further their causes and the media is feed the sensational crap to misdirect the public from what they are really up to. To many Americans believe what is feed to them on the 6 o'clock news. We can't get our leaders to tell the truth ...how are we going to get the media to do it. So it is our responsibility to double check...don't jump to conclusions and get your news from alot of diff rent sources...

Answer 6

As long as the government lies, I doubt they can do much to the media. If the government leaks information to the press who should be held responsible?

Answer 7

Yes. Maybe not compensation, but at least loss their license to publish.

Answer 8

It would be nice than maybe we can get some real reporting than 30 second sounds bites for those that agree with their bias.

Answer 9

I believe so. I also believe they should get reprimanded for doing things that could cause the troops harm or cause problems for the American people abroad.

Answer 10

Yes they should So should our political leaders just like everyone else is.