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Essay / Advanced Technology and the Internet - 1652
With the advent of advanced technology and the Internet, electronic media has become a popular means of disseminating information to the public. It helps overcome communication barriers across geographic landscapes and is one of the most trusted sources for many people around the world. Electronic media is defined as a media platform that uses electronics or electromechanical energy to provide audiences with access to content. Content is also called broadcast. Broadcasting is by far the most important source of information (Article 19, 2002). According to Curtis (2011), broadcasting is the practice of creating audio and video program content and distributing it to the general public of radio, television, and Internet media. To broadcast is to send entertainment and information to the general public via one-way electronic media. The broadcasts are generally intended for recreational purposes, awareness, education, experimentation or emergency messaging. Khemani RS and Shapiro D. M (1993) state that the term regulation is broadly defined as the imposition of rules by government, supported by the use of intentional sanctions. According to Salomon (2008): “Regulating the content of broadcast material is a matter of protection: protecting viewers and listeners from harm or offense and – in their role as consumers – protecting them from misleading advertising claims. There are many protective reasons that are invoked through regulation: the protection of democracy and the guarantee of the democratic right to freedom of expression are not threatened by censorship; protection of the right to accurate news information; protection of cultural norms; and the protection of the quality of the viewing or listening experience ....... middle of paper ...... making a recommendation under subsection (1), the Commission - will determine whether the applicant whether or not it meets the requirements prescribed for commercial or non-commercial broadcasting, radio rebroadcasting or the operation of a subscription television service, as the case may be; and may, if it deems it necessary, hear the oral submissions of the applicant. In conclusion, regulation is essential in the distribution of content. Although electronic media is a trusted source for many people, it can harm or offend viewers and listeners, including children, if left unregulated. It may not be fully effective due to current trends in electronic media and complex broadcasting laws, regulations, codes and guidelines. However, there is no single answer or perfect solution to establishing an appropriate and effective regulatory system..