Rev. 10/6/2020 Lesson 1: The Purpose of the Media Learning Goals Lesson Activities Lesson Vocabulary Background ◆ I can evaluate and explain how a democracy benefits from a free press, or

media. ◆ I can evaluate and explain the roles and function of the media. Quick Response Media: The Fourth Estate The Role of the Media Forms of Mass Media Lesson 1 Evaluation The meaning of the words in bold can be found in the Vocabulary Glossary at the end of this credit. Gatekeeper Bias Media ENGAGE Dissemination Muckrakers Quick Response: 1. What could happen to a society where the government tells the media what to report? This lesson will explain the role and function of a free media in a democratic society. After the American Revolution, the Founding Fathers believed that the nation's new democracy needed to have a free press in order to thrive. In fact, the First Amendment of the Constitution establishes the right of a free press. The press delivers information to the citizens who are then able to decide if the government is doing a good job. 2. Why might a government want to restrict or abridge what is written about them? Mass Media First Amendment, U.S. Constitution Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.