Here are some thoughts and questions that may inspire a Mini-Writing paper or Wiki post from Chapter 3 of Media Today

1. Take a look at Figure 3.3 on page 79. Post to the wiki your thoughts about it. Or, if you want a mini-writing topic, describe what each level of the pyramid means to you, and how you think it would impact a Program Director's decision making.

2. Visit the website for the Parent's Television Council. What do you think about this organization? Does it provide a service? Is it too reactionary? How could it influence a Program Director's decision making?

3. Assume that the bad tendency test was still constitutional. Describe what media programming today could be viewed by the government as "causing social evil." Under a democratic society, why is it a good thing that the bad tendency test was done away with?

4. Take a look at Weird Al Yankovic's videos. Why might it be arguable that these aren't parody? In other word, why does Al "always seeks permission from the artists and writers of the songs before he puts his spin on them." (Turow, p. 87). BTW, Weird Al is from Dr. Potter's generation...do you know of other, more contemporary artists who make song parodies?

5. To what extent do you think celebrities should be able to control the use of their images in advertising? What about the use of their voices? What if their voices are just impersonated? Check out this site before you answer.

6. Do you think that broadcast stations should have to air 3 hours of educational television aimed at kids 16 or younger, or is that an outdated regulation in the age of cable networks targeting kids of that age? Explain your position.

7. Visit the website of one of the advocacy organizations listed on page 104 and share your impressions of how they could influence a Program Director's decision making.

8. What is an ombudsperson? Visit the pages of the ESPN ombudsperson and the National Public Radio ombudsperson and share your impressions.