Students of media, journalism, and social issues classes will use this book to identify the ten most controversial issues facing the media profession today. Topics include the ever-increasing monopolistic control of the media by conglomerates, tabloid journalism and its impact on the news and plagiarism. Foerstel presents the history of each controversy, important media personalities, and relevant legislation. Students can examine the current status of the controversy and apply critical thinking skills to make predictions on possible future outcomes.

From the paparazzi to Internet censorship, Foerstel highlights significant controversy in modern journalism and the media, specifically noting recent public outcry over the press' abuse of the private lives of celebrities, including the death of Princess Diana, and problems with plagiarism and the excessive use of anonymous sources. Perhaps the most controversial of all media subjects--the battle over First Amendment rights on the electronic frontier of the Internet--is discussed in depth. With the detail Foerstel offers, students receive an up-to-date look at the struggle between those who advocate censorship of material they deem harmful to minors and those who defend intellectual freedom.