The aim of this module is to allow learners to understand the impact media can have on society and what effect the media has on the uniformed public services as a whole.

In particular the module will look at theories relating to media representation on both a national and international level such as moral panics and self-fulfilling prophecy and the new crime waves which have swept the media pages such as happy slapping and internet pornography.

Finally this module will look at how the public services are portrayed in the media and how this change can shape and develop the public's perception of what the public services do and achieve.

This may include:
- The types of media used in contemporary society and their effects on society
- How are media companies are regulated and governed
- Review contrasting coverage of recent media events relating to the public services
- Media bias and how this can effect public services
- Bandura's research into violence and the cause and effect relationships
- How are moral panics and self-fulfilling prophecy's relevant to the media and public services
- The new crime waves that the media can create eg binge drinking, happy slapping, internet bullying and harassment
- The fear of crime influenced by media coverage.
- Positive and negative images of the public services in the media
- How do the public services use the media
- The new age of reality public services tv such as 'Police, Camera Action', 'Ross Kemp in Afghanistan' and the other programmes portraying life inside the public services.

All of the above can be examined through case studies and actual events that have been covered in the media

The learning strategy for this module requires students to commit 150 learning hours (including assessment). This will include 36 hours of class support and 114 hours of independent and self directed study.

The class sessions will include formal lectures, case study analysis and group discussions based on student experiences in the subject area. Students will be encouraged to integrate their work based experiences with new knowledge and skills developed in the classroom as the module progresses.

Staffordshire University electronic resources and off-campus library facilities
Module website

OFCOM Reports on Public Service Broadcasting www.ofcom.org.uk
Royal Television Society (various see journals in Learning Centre) Television. London: Royal Television Society
BBC - Reports on Public Service Broadcasting and BBC Trust www.bbc.co.uk/future

Burton, G. (2010) Media & Society Critical Perspectives Open University Press
Curran, J. & Seaton, J. (2000) Power without Responsibility Routledge.
Hill, A. (2007) Restyling Factual TV Routledge
Hobson, D. (2007) Channel 4 The Early Years and the Jeremy Isaacs Legacy. IBTauris.
Johnson, C. & Turnock, R. (2005) TV Cultures Open University Press

A group based presentation (using a range of media) showing knowledge of different types of bias in media reporting and the effects this has on the public services (50%) (Learning Outcomes 1,2 & 3)

An individual report (1,000 words) providing a personal interpretation of the research undertaken in preparation of the group presentation. (50%) (Learning Outcomes 1,2 & 3)