Activity 1-4: Critically Assessing Media Information
Introduction
As stakeholders in society and consumers of information, we will be better decision makers if we develop skills to evaluate the information we receive via the media. In order to do so, we must become aware of our own biases or perspectives that affect how we receive and filter information and practise critically analyzing and evaluating the accuracy of information. This activity provides information and practice in critically assessing media information.
Instructions
Part A: Reading
• Read Chapter 2: Managing Public Issues and Stakeholder Relationships, pages 24–42 in your textbook. As you read, consider the role media may play in public issues from both the perspective of wanted and unwanted media attention for a business or organization.
• Read Chapter 19: Managing Public Relations, pages 432–450 in your textbook. Skim the Exhibit 19.D on page 446 to see the sensational impact that individuals can have on a large corporation. Consider also the significant role of media and their influence on market and nonmarket stakeholders.
• Read "Evaluating Internet Research Sources" at http://www.virtualsalt.com/evalu8it.htm. The CARS Checklist (Credibility, Accuracy, Reasonableness, Support) provides a list of things to look for in evaluating the quality of information reported on the Internet. This checklist is also a relevant tool to apply in assessing other forms of information presented in the media.
Part B: Reflective Journal—Media Perspectives
• Review recent newspapers or magazines and look for one example of an article that appears to present information from the perspective of a business and one example of an article that presents information from a government perspective. Do these articles also present other perspectives? Briefly describe why you think these articles are or are not fair and balanced in their reporting. You should refer back to the CARS Checklist and use the checklist in your assessment.
Part C: Online Discussion
• Choose a topic relevant to Module 1: Stakeholder Interrelationships. This may derived from an entry you made in your reflective journal as you worked through the activities in Module 1, or another area of interest to you.
• As you prepare your posting, remember the following:
o The discussion topic must be a matter of current concern in the field of business and society
o The topic must be supported by recent articles, commentaries, or events
• You should demonstrate participation in an online dialogue by responding to some of the comments your topic may elicit from other students
• You should demonstrate participation in an online dialogue by commenting on the initial posting of at least one other student
• You are required to post a minimum of three postings for each module. Post your discussion in the appropriate module area (in Discussions) in the Course Menu.
Do all Activity 1-4 and answer part A,B, AND C. I will upload the chapter, notes, and the Discussions topic relevant to Module 1