Lesson Plan: Media Moguls vs. Government

Lesson Plan

Before Exploring

If students have not completed the activity "Introduction to Media Concentration and Convergence" for this topic, have them do so now.

Ask students to imagine the following scenario: Your principal has said that the most recent issue of the school newspaper contained an editorial that criticized the school, and consequently the newspaper would no longer be financially supported through school funds. The article was factual, cited sources, and was not libellous, but did not create a positive image of the school. Have students role-play a discussion between the principal and the editor. Then discuss what they learned from the role-play regarding ownership control and the freedom of the press.

Outline the Opportunity

Direct students to the topic Concentration to Convergence: Media Ownership in Canada on the CBC Digital Archives website. Students will view the clip titled "Tom Kent stumps Front Page Challenge", and list Tom Kent's recommendations. Discuss the recommendations with the class.

Provide students with the download sheet Media Moguls vs. Government to list the pros and cons of the recommendations.

Revisit and Reflect

Take up the lists of pros and cons and discuss the students' conclusions. Ask: Why were few of the recommendations implemented? Does Canada need another Royal Commission on Newspapers?

Extension

Students can research an example of a situation where ownership control of media clashed with a journalist or an editor, or with the government. Students can share these cases with the class for further analysis.