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responsibility. Discuss.
INTRODUCTION:
(Sexy Opening) In 1993, National Geographic magazine published a poignant, almost alienating photograph of a
starving Sudanese girl being watched silently by a vulture. Within a week, the photograph had made its rounds
on the cover page of almost every major magazine and had been featured on numerous international news
bulletins. The photographer of the iconic image, Kevin Carter, eventually committed suicide in 1994, as he came
under withering public criticism for not helping the dying girl. His regrettable death drew attention to the
ruthlessly profit-driven motivations of the modern media, and sparked calls for far greater media responsibility.
(Thesis) While it is undeniable that the media industry is ultimately a profit-oriented business, the unparalleled
influence it wields over billions of unsuspecting consumers has to be tempered by a strong sense of corporate
responsibility. Indeed, the great power of the media should be balanced by an equally great sense of
responsibility.
As the modern media allows news spreads further and faster, its impacts become more significant, drastic and
widespread, and therefore should bear responsibility for its content. With the internet and social media sites
such as Facebook and Twitter, information becomes readily accessible to all, regardless of geographical
boundaries and distances. The internet has enabled news channels such as BBC, and newspapers such as the
International Herald Tribune, to take advantage of its efficiency and convenience, to reach out to more
audiences worldwide, thus expanding its significant influence on readers. For example, KONY 2012 has been
ranked as the most viral video by TIME magazine, reaching out to millions of people over a few days. It appeals
strongly to the sympathies of the masses, influencing many to respond to the call for financial aid.
Conclusion
While the media is a profit-based industry, it is first and foremost a public service. As with any other service, it
has a responsibility to society to work with accuracy and objectivity, for the benefit of the people. The media
also primarily deals with people, and therefore should take steps to ensure that basic respect is accorded and
reports are not cheapened by sensationalist slants. Not all of its consumers have the discretion to filter through
bias; children and even some young adults, who are one of the biggest consumers of media, do not have the
discretion required. Hence, the great power of the media should be balanced by an equally great sense of
responsibility.