Research Motivation
Recently, the way taken by the television media in Taiwan to report the news has been widely criticized for presenting the partial contents and thus damage the image of media acting as the role of the gatekeeper. Nevertheless, it is an obligation for the media to reflect the unbiased accuracy and give opportunities for every member in society to express their thoughts.
Research Issue and Scope
This research collects the information on the laws, rules, self-regulations, and cases regarding impartiality and the fairness doctrine from the UK, the EU, South Korea, the US, Japan, and Taiwan. In addition, persons from television channels, academics, and NGOs were invited to share their opinions and influenced aspects by holding panel discussions.
Though the regulations may vary in different countries, serious social issues and elections are the two dimensions emphasized more in most countries that enact and implement the fairness doctrine, and this is correspondent with the conclusion of the panel discussion.
Implications
-
Not all the news shall be applied to the fairness principle. However, at least serious social issues and elections should be.
- We shall avoid the “chilling effects” or “spillover effects” when enforcing the fairness principle.
- The fairness principle and the right of reply can complement each other; however, the Self-regulations of the media are still in the first place. The governments are liable to outreach how people claim fairness principle, and the right to respond and correct.
