Transition Year students can win a week's work placement in The Irish Times. Send us your thoughts (200 words maximum) on a media-related topic - if your submission is published, the placement is yours.
Michelle D'Arcy, Alexandra College, Dublin
Although President Clinton's interest in the Northern Ireland peace process is frequently in the media, little attention is given to why such a powerful country takes so great an interest in our small island. One reason is terrorism, a serious threat to world peace and economic stability. However, economics is the most important factor in US foreign policy. Ireland is a small market, despite many US multinationals being located here; however, as a result of globalisation and the need to provide markets for its products (and other political reasons), the US needs good diplomatic relations with Europe. The peace process gives Clinton the opportunity to prove to Europeans his interest in Europe. On the wider world stage, his moral credibility to intervene in conflicts such as the Middle East was enhanced.
President Clinton's interest in Northern Ireland shows how even a small local conflict can take on global importance.
Valerie Kerr, Loreto College, Dalkey, Co Dublin
Does the spotlight of the media spend too much time focused on prominent figures in our society instead of issues that really matter. I am afraid that I would have to say yes.
Take for instance Bill Clinton's alleged sexual encounters with Monica Lewinsky. Is it really a discussion the whole world should be involved in? Another example is how Paul Gascoigne's private life has been exposed. Those who follow football know all about the Middlesbrough player's supposed alcoholism, when really Gazza's private life shouldn't be plastered all over the news.
If Bill Clinton is still capable of running the United States and Paul Gascoigne is still scoring goals for Middlesbrough, then their private lives should be kept just that . . . private.
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.