COMM Final Review Sheet PDF

Global Media in a Digital Age Final Review Sheet The exam will consist of 20 multiple-choice (worth 2 points each) and three long essay questions (worth 70 points each). It should take you no more than 120 minutes to complete (although some people may finish sooner). Both the essays and the multiple...

Global Media in a Digital Age Final Review Sheet The exam will consist of 20 multiple-choice (worth 2 points each) and three long essay questions (worth 70 points each). It should take you no more than 120 minutes to complete (although some people may finish sooner). Both the essays and the multiple-choice questions will be based on the readings for class, the lectures and the class discussions. In answering the essay questions, you should write as complete an answer as possible in the time provided. The multiple-choice questions will cover material from the midterm onward. For the essay portion of the exam, you’ll be given a list of a dozen or so questions to choose from and you’ll be expected to write on two. Like the multiple-choice items, the essay questions will deal primarily with issues and ideas covered in the second half of the course but some of them will require you to draw on information and ideas covered earlier. General Advice The best thing you can do to prepare for the exam is to look at the review questions at the end of each of the chapters we read for the last half of class. Also, review the power point slides for my lectures (archived on Blackboard) and look over your class notes. In composing your essays, you should strive to write in clear, grammatical sentences and should organize your essays so they have both an introduction and a conclusion. Take a few minutes to plan what you’re going to say before you start writing. Always support your general claims and assertions with specific evidence, illustrations and examples. The more you can back up what you say with facts and illustrations the better. Be sure to address each part of the question posed. And, whatever you do, try to leave yourself some time to check your work before you turn it in. Below are some issues and questions to think about as you review for the final. Gaming 1. How have video games evolved from the arcade games of the 1970s to the present? Video games have evolved dramatically in terms of technology, graphics, storytelling, and interactivity. Early arcade games like Pong and Pac-Man were simple and focused on gameplay mechanics, while modern games feature complex narratives, hyper-realistic graphics, online multiplayer options, and vast open-world environments. Platforms have also diversified, ranging from home consoles and PCs to mobile devices and virtual reality systems. 2. To what extent is video game addiction becoming a problem in our culture? Why do you think video games (and virtual communities) are so addictive to their users? Video game addiction is a recognized problem, with excessive gaming leading to physical, emotional, and social issues. The addictive nature stems from psychological mechanisms such as reward systems, social connections, escapism, and immersion. Features like achievements, leveling systems, and multiplayer engagement contribute to prolonged play. 3. What is your view of “Gamergate”? Do you think criticisms of sexism in video games are justified? Why or why not? Gamergate highlighted issues of sexism and harassment in gaming culture. Criticisms of sexism in video games are justified, as many games historically portrayed women in stereotypical or hypersexualized roles. However, the industry is improving, with more diverse and complex female characters being developed. Public Relations 1. Be able to explain what “public relations” is and the various things public relations professionals do for clients. Public relations (PR) involves managing a client's public image and relationships with  stakeholders. PR professionals handle media relations, crisis communication, event planning, content creation, brand messaging, and reputation management. 2. Who is Ivy Ledbetter Lee? Who is Edward Bernays? What are they each known for? ○ Ivy Lee: Known as the father of modern PR, he emphasized transparency and ethical communication with the public. ○ Edward Bernays: A pioneer in PR, he applied psychological principles to influence public opinion, often referred to as the “engineering of consent.” 3. What are the main methods public relations firms use to “convey” their client’s message? PR firms use press releases, media coverage, social media campaigns, public events, interviews, and influencer collaborations to communicate their client's message effectively. 4. Be able to explain the “best practices” in crisis PR. Best practices include acting quickly, communicating honestly, addressing concerns directly, taking responsibility, and showing empathy toward affected stakeholders. 5. Be able to explain the strategy behind the (RED) campaign. Be able to evaluate the campaign’s success as a public relations effort on behalf of both (RED)’s corporate partners and the charities it funds. The (RED) campaign leveraged partnerships with major brands to raise funds for HIV/AIDS prevention. Its success lies in raising awareness and significant funds, although some criticized it for being overly commercial. Advertising 1. How did advertising develop into the multi-billion-dollar-a-year industry it is today? Advertising grew with mass media, beginning with newspapers and expanding through radio, television, and digital platforms. Industrialization and consumer culture fueled the rise of branded goods and services, further driving the industry's growth. 2. How did the form and function of advertising change in the course of the 19th century? Advertising shifted from simple product announcements to persuasive, image-driven campaigns. Advances in printing and the rise of magazines allowed for more visually appealing ads. 3. How is the typical modern advertising firm organized? Be able to describe in brief the division of labor and specialized roles within such firms. Advertising firms typically have departments for account management, creative development, media planning, market research, and digital strategy.  4. What sorts of persuasive techniques do contemporary advertisers use to get us to buy their wares? Techniques include emotional appeal, celebrity endorsements, humor, fear, and the association principle, which links products to desirable qualities or lifestyles. 5. What is the association principle in advertising and how does it work? The association principle connects a product with a positive cultural value, such as freedom or luxury, to influence consumer perception. 6. Be able to cite examples of the different techniques in practice and be able to explain why such tactics are effective. ○ Sex appeal: Perfume ads. ○ Fear: Security system ads. ○ Humor: Fast-food commercials. These tactics work by targeting emotions and creating memorable impressions. 7. Why have feminists criticized advertising’s images of women? Do you agree with those criticisms? Did you agree with the arguments presented in Killing Us Softly 4? Why or why not? Feminists argue that advertising perpetuates unrealistic and harmful beauty standards. Killing Us Softly 4 effectively highlights the societal impact of these portrayals. I agree, as such depictions can harm self-esteem and reinforce gender stereotypes. Media Economics (Answers continued in next response due to character limits.) Media Economics (Continued) 1. In what way is the proposed AT&T and Time Warner merger illustrative of economic trends shaping media industries in the 21st century? This merger reflects trends of vertical integration and consolidation, where companies seek to control both content production and distribution to dominate the market. 2. What are the dominant trends shaping the media as an industry in the 21st Century? Dominant trends include convergence, globalization, digital transformation, consolidation, and the rise of subscription-based services. 3. What is convergence? Convergence refers to the merging of media platforms, such as combining television, internet, and mobile into integrated digital services. 4. What is synergy? How does synergy operate inside the Disney media empire? Synergy is the collaboration of different divisions within a company to maximize profits.  Disney exemplifies this by promoting films through its TV networks, merchandise, and theme parks. 5. What is vertical and horizontal integration? ○ Vertical integration: A company controls production, distribution, and exhibition. ○ Horizontal integration: A company acquires competitors in the same market. 6. In what ways are the media becoming increasingly globalized? Media companies distribute content internationally and acquire foreign firms, spreading cultural products globally. 7. What is consolidation of ownership? Be able to name the 6 or 7 large conglomerates who control the majority of our media. Consolidation refers to fewer companies owning more of the media market. Examples include Disney, Comcast, Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount Global, Sony, and News Corp. 8. What is a monopoly? An oligopoly? A competitive market? Be able to give examples of each market structure at work in the media business broadly construed. ○ Monopoly: One company dominates (e.g., a local cable provider). ○ Oligopoly: A few firms dominate (e.g., Big Six media companies). ○ Competitive market: Many firms compete (e.g., indie video game developers). 9. What is the philosophy behind the progressive deregulation of the media industry? The philosophy is that less regulation fosters competition, innovation, and consumer choice. 10. What impact did the Telecommunications Act of 1996 have on the American media landscape? Would you say that impact was positive or negative? Why? The Act led to increased consolidation and reduced competition, allowing major companies to dominate. The impact is controversial, with concerns over reduced diversity in media voices. 11. In what ways have modern media firms committed to becoming more flexible? Media firms adapt to digital trends, employ freelancers, and restructure to reduce costs, often at the expense of full-time jobs and equitable pay. 12. Be able to briefly narrate the history of Disney’s rise from a small specialized cartoon studio to a giant multinational conglomerate. Disney began in 1923 as a cartoon studio. It expanded into feature films, theme parks, TV, and acquisitions (e.g., Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and Fox). 13. Be able to discuss Grupa Televisa as an example of a contemporary giant media conglomerate. Grupa Televisa dominates Spanish-language media, producing TV shows, sports broadcasts, and digital content for global audiences. 14. In what way do the Disney Corporation and Televisa illustrate current trends in the media industry?  Both showcase vertical integration, globalization, and content diversification to maintain dominance. 15. Why do Campbell, Martin, and Fabos think that current trends towards increasing consolidation of media ownership pose problems for our democracy? Do you agree with them? They argue that consolidation limits diverse perspectives and critical reporting, which are vital for democracy. I agree, as fewer voices in media can stifle public discourse. The First Amendment to the Constitution 1. In what ways does the First Amendment protect freedom of expression? It guarantees freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly, and petition. Key cases like Near v. Minnesota and the Pentagon Papers affirm these protections. 2. What sorts of expression are not protected by the First Amendment? Unprotected speech includes obscenity, libel, incitement to violence, and threats to national security. 3. When is it legitimate for the government to put time, place, and manner restrictions on the First Amendment? Restrictions are allowed if they are content-neutral, serve a significant public interest, and leave alternative channels for expression. 4. What makes certain sorts of expression “obscene”? Be able to explain the Miller v. California test for obscenity. The test requires that material: ○ Appeals to prurient interest. ○ Depicts sexual conduct offensively. ○ Lacks serious artistic, literary, or scientific value. 5. Is Ice-T’s rap/rant Freedom of Speech obscene? Describe the 2 Live Crew/ Nasty as They Wanna Be case. ○ Ice-T's work is protected by artistic expression, though controversial. ○ In the 2 Live Crew case, a judge deemed the album obscene based on sexual content. Appeals overturned the ruling, citing cultural context. 6. Why did the courts originally uphold state and local censorship of motion pictures? In Mutual Film v. Ohio, films were deemed "business" not "expression." The Miracle case reversed this, granting First Amendment protections to films. 7. Why do the courts reason it is OK to curtail the free speech rights of radio and TV but not newspapers and magazines? The limited broadcast spectrum necessitates regulation to ensure fair access (FCC v. Pacifica Foundation).  8. Be able to discuss Section 230 of the Communication Decency Act. Section 230 shields online platforms from liability for user-generated content, fostering free speech but raising concerns over accountability. 9. Should the federal government adopt laws to protect people from cyberstalking and revenge porn? Such laws are necessary to protect victims and would not infringe on First Amendment rights if narrowly tailored. Media Effects Research 1. Be able to name the major schools of “media effects” theory and research. Which of the major media effects theories do you find most persuasive and why? ○ Major theories include the hypodermic needle model, agenda-setting, cultivation theory, and uses and gratifications. ○ Cultivation theory is persuasive, as it explains how prolonged media exposure shapes perceptions of reality. 2. Be able to describe the Payne Fund Studies and what they found. The Payne Fund Studies examined how films influenced children, finding significant emotional and behavioral impacts. This laid the foundation for media effects research. Hypodermic-Needle Model: Media directly inject messages into passive audiences. Minimal Effects Model: Audiences selectively expose and retain media messages, reducing influence. Uses and Gratifications Theory: Focuses on why individuals engage with media (e.g., for personal reflection or entertainment). Social Learning Theory: Explains media influence on behavior through attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation (e.g., Bandura’s "Bobo Doll" experiments). Agenda Setting: Media shapes public perception by emphasizing certain topics over others. Cultivation Analysis: Heavy TV viewers develop a distorted worldview ("mean world syndrome"). Spiral of Silence: Minority opinions may be silenced by perceived majority views promoted by media. Cultural Studies: Examines media’s role in shaping ideologies and identities via production, textual analysis, and audience studies.