Class highlights

There are an overload of information in every aspect of life, by looking in depth of different media's history, industry and controversy helped us to develop more critical thinking skills. As I'm a consumer of media everyday, I am more conscious and aware of the products being presented to me now. I also found the internet search project very helpful. My views of media sharpened and understandings widened. It's a blessing for us to live in a place that First Amendment right is granted and freely exercised; it is all of our good wish in "pursuit of happiness".

Media Ethics/Media Law

  "CBS Wins Odd 'CSI' Defamation Case On Appeal" - by Eriq Gardner
 ('CSI' writer name her house brokers in murder episode after her attempt to buy a home went bad.)

Media laws and ethics involved in the case --- First Amendment/Libel/Privacy

           Scott and Melinda Tamkin brought a lawsuit of "defamation and false light invasion of privacy" against CBS' hit drama "CSI". The show's writer Sarah Goldfinger's fictional characters portrayed in episode 913, hinting in real life the couple are "sexually deviant real estate brokers". The network responded with an anti-SLAPP motion, arguing on its free speech rights. Justice Nora Manella seems to "foreclose much of the 'libel in fiction' legal theory", and finds that the defendants' act are " in furtherance of their exercise of the right of free speech,'.

        People get fired writing angry messages on facebook about their bosses and work; in this case, you get a writer upset, you have the "honor" of being written into the screenplay; which unfortunately, this one particularly deals with crimes, murders, and died bodies. However, as they are freely exercising their first amendment rights, the ethical part is questionable. I've learned that whatever you say or do, it'll somehow always come back to you with consequences.