Media Policy and Regulation Lecture

Course Updates

• Due to COVID-related health issues, some changes have been made to the course schedule:
  • **Short Paper Deadlines: **
    • Option A: Due September 28th
    • Option B: Moved to October 21st (after Reading Week)
  • Quiz:
    • Covers Lessons 1-4
  • Lesson Schedule Adjustments:
    • Lesson on Media Fix now on October 31st
    • Lesson on New Media is cut

Learning Outcomes for the Week

• Focus on policy and regulation, particularly relevant for midterm preparation.
• Expect questions on policy and regulation.

Lecture Overview

• Continuation from previous lecture on political economy.
• Focus on legal and regulatory frameworks in media industries.

Key Topics Discussed

1. Policy and Regulation in Media

   • Importance: Critical in shaping media industries and content.
   • Example: Canadian news visibility on social media due to Bill C18.
     • Bill C18 (Online News Act) seeks to make social media platforms pay Canadian news producers.
     • Meta blocks Canadian news; Google reached a deal for annual contributions.
     • Long-term impact on local news production.
   • Comparison with Australia’s similar law without news blocking.

2. Media Licensing and Copyright

   • Covers how media content is controlled through licensing and copyright.

3. Self-Censorship in Media

   • How media industries self-regulate content.

4. Cultural and Economic Protectionism

   • Example: Canadian Content (CanCon) regulations.

5. Regulation Questions

   • Why regulate media? What types should be regulated?
   • Government regulation vs. self-regulation.
   • Current problems in media and proposed solutions.

6. Hot Topics in Media Regulation

   • Social Media Regulation
     • Triggered by events such as Trump's presidency and Capitol riots.
     • Concerns over cyberbullying and cancel culture.
     • Bill C63 (Online Harms Act) addresses harmful content, but has pros and cons.

Next Steps

• Watch a short Global News segment on social media regulation.
• Upcoming video will cover basic terminology and background on policy and regulation.