New
New
What responsibilities does the media have?
I can explain the different responsibilities the media has and what happens if the media breaks the rules.
Lesson 2 of 6
New
New
- Year 8
What responsibilities does the media have?
I can explain the different responsibilities the media has and what happens if the media breaks the rules.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- We expect the media to be accurate, verify facts and act independently without personal benefit, in the public interest.
- Journalists take responsibility for their work, put their name to it, and aim to inform and explain important issues.
- The media must follow the law and the rules in the NUJ Code of Conduct and Editors' Code of Practice.
- The media are responsible for respecting privacy, providing truthful, accurate information and avoiding discrimination.
- If the media break these rules, IPSO or OFCOM can investigate, leading to legal action, mistrust or other consequences.
Keywords
Media - forms of communication like radio, television, newspapers, magazines and the internet, that reach or influence people
Responsibilities - duties that we are expected to do as a citizen of a country, as part of a job role or as a member of a community
Common misconception
The media can report whatever they like, there are no consequences.
There are consequences for the media breaking the rules and not fulfilling their responsibilities. They have to abide by a strict code of conduct and ethics.
To bring the lesson to life, show the students a range of examples of the media breaking the law or not fulfilling their responsibilities.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
- Depiction or discussion of serious crime
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.There are three main types of media: print, broadcast and ...
There are three main types of media: print, broadcast and ...
old media
traditional media
modern media
Q2.What does the 'A' in the acronym 'VIA' model stand for?
What does the 'A' in the acronym 'VIA' model stand for?
Accuracy
Advocacy
Authority
Q3.Match the news value with its definition.
Match the news value with its definition.
Q4.What are examples of information neighbourhoods?
What are examples of information neighbourhoods?
popularity
games
Q5.What does understanding different sources, various types and information neighbourhoods help you know the purpose of?
What does understanding different sources, various types and information neighbourhoods help you know the purpose of?
Q6.Match up the information neighbourhood with its purpose.
Match up the information neighbourhood with its purpose.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.How do we expect the media to act?
How do we expect the media to act?
with mistrust
with personal benefit
Q2.Journalists are , which means they have to put their name to their work and they are responsible for what it says.
Journalists are , which means they have to put their name to their work and they are responsible for what it says.
Q3.Where are the two main places that you can find the rules that the media have to follow?
Where are the two main places that you can find the rules that the media have to follow?
NUL Code of Conduct
Editors' Rules in Practice
Q4.Treating someone unfairly based on characteristics such as race, gender or religion is known as ; the media have a responsibility to stop this.
Treating someone unfairly based on characteristics such as race, gender or religion is known as ; the media have a responsibility to stop this.
Q5.Order the name of the group which regulates newspapers and magazines in the UK.
Order the name of the group which regulates newspapers and magazines in the UK.
Q6.Match the word with its definition.
Match the word with its definition.
