Margaret O'Connor, St Ailbe's School, Thomastown, Golden, Co Tipperary
We are now living in a technological age, when a person's privacy can be wiped away at the touch of a button. This leaves the position of the media as a vital one - which brings a lot of responsibility with it.
Media outlets have uncovered corruption and more corruption through sheer hard work and determination. While this is good for the country, it is beginning to have a detrimental effect, as competition to get exclusive information and to meet deadlines is leading to aggressive interviewing and a lack of objectivity in reporting.
Journalists are one of the most respected groups in Ireland, but they must retain this by respecting the people they interview, remaining fair. I know this is difficult, as there is a thin line between people who can't co-operate and people who won't; but if this is possible, it will ensure the high standard of Irish journalism continues far into the new millennium.
David Whelan, Gonzaga College, Dublin
Undoubtedly there are many in the media today who would have you believe the industry is booming, providing the public with a far better service than could have been conceived of 10 years ago. These "media moguls" would also claim they provide the people with exactly what they want. It is becoming increasingly obvious, however, that the situation is not so rosy, and many key media figures are to be found loosening their expensive ties under the strain.
The fact is that public opinion is beginning to change, and the bad news for the media is that the movement is against them. People are no longer content to be force-fed stories of sex, scandals and pop stars. The private lives of politicians or TV personalities no longer interest the majority of people. Questions are being asked about the newsworthiness of much of what is printed. It is widely held that the time has come for the industry to review its values and to put an end to the days of distorted, elite-centred reporting. Only through drastic and immediate change in this area can the media hope to survive and flourish in the future.
Write to media scope by posting your comments to Newspaper in the Classroom, The Irish Times, 11-16 D'Olier Street, Dublin 2, or faxing them to (01) 679 2789.
Be sure to include your name, address and school, plus phone numbers for home and school.
Or you can use the Internet and email us at mediapage@irish-times.ie.
media scope is a weekly media studies page for use in schools. Group rates and a special worksheet service are available: FREEPHONE 1-800-798884 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). media scope is edited by Harry Browne.
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