NationStates Jolt Archive


Issue Advice

Zadania
01-04-2005, 07:48
I have submitted a few issues... and this one has seemed to be refused. Any ideas how I should change it?

Virtue herself is her own fairest reward.

As the government of @@NAME@@ discusses possible legislation regarding the @@MAJORINDUSTRY@@ industry, a myriad of political commentators have already taken to the airways to debate the national issue. Complaints of media bias in @@NAME@@ are not new; however, demands for change have recently become more aggressive.

Not valid for nations with nonexistent political freedoms.

“This is pure insanity!,” exclaims @@RANDOMNAME@@, head of the United Democratic Front of @@NAME@@, a small left-wing minority party. “The mainstream media is purely a propaganda device of those in power, creating the boundaries of acceptable thinking and thereby shutting out different viewpoints. It’s well known that in this new era of technology the media is the tool in which government can direct the nation. In addition, the media outlets are hindered by their desire to make a profit. I respect that; however, we must acknowledge that in maximizing their profit potential, valuable discussion is lost to prescribed nonsense. We need to for the sake of our nation, impose on radio and television licensees an obligation to ensure that different viewpoints are presented about controversial issues. This “Fairness Doctrine” would without a doubt reinforce a politics of moderation and inclusiveness. The complete lack of objectivity within @@NAME@@ blurs the distinctions between news, political advocacy, and political advertising, and has lead to the polarizing cacophony of strident talking heads that we have today.”
[effect] Radio and television outlets must provide multiple viewpoints on topics of importance
[stats] Government regulation of industry increases slightly, public apathy decreases, power of media decreases, power of individual politicians decrease, issues become congested with debates between two extremes and three or four centrist positions.

“My stations should be able to broadcast whatever I like,” says @@RANDOMNAME@@, president of Communicatrix Systems of @@REGION@@, which owns 35% of the @@MAJORINDUSTRY@@ industry in the region. “My network attempts to present information in a format to which the majority of @@NAME@@ perceives to be neutral. This so-called “Fairness Doctrine” would only inhibit rather than enhance debate. This network works to provide the public with the viewpoints relevant and useful to the situation. I believe we strive for fair reporting as it is, if not, I am sure we would lose our audience to another competitor. Sure, we have a few radio hosts and talk shows that lean towards one end of the political scale… and yes at times they may dominate out airways but it’s our decision. In addition, elected officials do use the media to carry their agenda to the people; it’s the new purpose and place of the media in the world. If you have a problem with it, create your own news network; never mind the oligopolistic practices of the major news services. We have evolved a long way since the days of fake investigatory reporting, reliance upon scandals and personal characterizations, and lack of concrete reporting of the issues. I can assure you we have interests… I mean… no interest in pushing the public in any particular political direction. I hope you will certainly support the media outlets, all three of them.”
[effect] Media outlets regularly give one sided slanted reporting labeled as “fair and balanced,” and regularly convince voters that what they receive is the true story, important issues usually take secondary priority to breaking sex scandals
[stats] Regulation of industry decreases slightly, power of individual politicians increase, media outlets many times debate issues but argue the same thing, public apathy increases greatly

“It is time that we did something with the horrible state of our nation’s media,” explains @@RANDOMNAME@@, your Minister of the Interior during a regular cabinet meeting. “For far too long the media has focused on the negative aspects of your administration. Again and again your economic accomplishments are given a back seat to the next legislator ‘caught with his pants down.’ We could initiate a national campaign designed to combat injustices within the media. It would go over quite well with the general public.” He now begins to whisper and lean forward as other members of the cabinet make notes or converse with each other. “We effectively create a Ministry of Public Information and use it as a center to circulate the news that our citizens deserve. Some members of your cabinet may call this censorship, I can assure you its nothing but giving the government a fair chance to lead this nation in the right direction. Yes, some liberties will be curbed, but I am sure you will agree that it is all in the best interests of @@NAME@@.”
[effect] The news media of the nation are effectively ruled by the red pen of the government’s censors, news now consists of the great achievements of the government and the horrible lives of the nation’s neighbors
[stats] Political freedom decreases greatly not only due to state media, but that fact that attempts at unbiased reporting are considered treasons, public apathy increases slightly, size of government increases
Evil Woody Thoughts
01-04-2005, 10:41
Probably too long; I would also assume that the first two options would affect political freedoms.
Zadania
01-04-2005, 22:33
Is there a limit in the length of issues?
Sirocco
01-04-2005, 22:58
No, but there's an advised limit to the length of options - read the thread about writing issues. I'll post later on the probable reasons for this issue's deletion later when I have the time.

edit:

I've had a second look at it and yes, it is too bloated. It also needs to be properly formatted if it's going to show up properly in The Editing Room (TM). Structurally, the issue seems OK, thought it could probably have a fourth option (possibly banning the media altogether?).