Media and Public Awarness

The Role of Media in Consumer Awareness
While the first amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, journalism ethics require journalists to use that freedom wisely and only publish stories which can be verified as truthful. However, as consumers depend more upon the media for awareness, issues arise in knowing which publications adhere to journalistic standards and which are more opinion- or advertising-based. Both sides of the media, journalists and consumers, bear responsibility for the use of informational content.

Consumer Awareness
  * Consumer awareness refers to the knowledge consumers have about products or services and their rights as consumers. At the basic level, this means developing an awareness of products or services, and understanding the rights a consumer has regarding a malfunctioning product. As consumer awareness increases, the consumer may become familiar with ways in which to use a product or service, the benefits or drawbacks of a specific product or service, or reviews or recalls of a product or service. In large part, this awareness comes through the media, both by advertising and through news stories about products or services.
Media Formats
  * The types of media which can influence consumer awareness are more numerous than ever. Older media platforms, including newspapers, radio and television, are still available but have lost popularity since the advent of the Internet. Within the category of Internet media, a consumer finds respected sites such as web versions of print newspapers and government websites alongside opinion-based sites such as blogs and message boards. Advertising exists on nearly all media platforms, whether print, television or Internet, further bombarding the consumer with information that may or may not be accurate.
Effects
  * As consumers turn more frequently to Internet sources for purchase advice, they're able to keep up with recent developments faster than ever. This...