Question 1

The Communications Act of 1934 established regulations based on the notion of __________.

Accepted Answer

The Communications Act of 1934 established regulations centered around the idea of spectrum scarcity, meaning that there are limited frequencies available for radio communication and broadcasting. This led to the government regulating the allocation and use of certain frequencies in order to avoid interference and ensure fair access for all parties.

Question 2

A computer device that enables parents or any other viewer to program a TV set to block access to programs containing violent or sexual content based on the program rating is known as the __________.

Accepted Answer

The device described in the question is called a V-chip, which stands for "violence chip". Option B, C, and D are not commonly used terms in reference to such a device.

Question 3

__________ occur(s) when the government prevents or blocks the publication, broadcasting, showing, or distribution of media content, whether in print, over the air, in movie theaters, or online.

Accepted Answer

Prior restraint is a form of censorship where the government stops media content from being published, broadcasted, or distributed. This is often seen as a violation of the First Amendment and freedom of the press. Net neutrality refers to the principle that all internet traffic should be treated equally, while shield laws are laws that protect journalists from being forced to reveal certain confidential sources. Libel refers to false and damaging written or published statements about a person or entity.

Question 4

In the McCarthy-era 1950s, psychologist Fredric Wertham, MD, concluded that reading __________ caused juvenile delinquency and illiteracy.

Accepted Answer

Fredric Wertham concluded that reading comic books caused juvenile delinquency and illiteracy during the McCarthy-era 1950s.

Question 5

Indecent speech was put to the test in a landmark First Amendment case involving comedian __________.

Accepted Answer

The landmark First Amendment case involving indecent speech and comedian was George Carlin's case.

Question 6

Criticism of some early 1920s films centered on depictions of __________.

Accepted Answer

Early 1920s films were often criticized for their depictions of nudity, which was considered controversial and led to calls for censorship.

Question 7

Which form of speech is not protected by the First Amendment and is subject to government censorship?

Accepted Answer

Obscenity is not protected by the First Amendment and is subject to government censorship. The Supreme Court has defined obscenity as material which appeals to the prurient interest, is patently offensive, and lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value. The other options (stereotypes, profanity, and blasphemy) are all forms of speech that are generally protected by the First Amendment, although they may be subject to certain limitations in certain contexts or under certain circumstances.

Question 8

In April 2002, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down provisions in the Child Pornography Prevention Act of 1996, which made it a crime to create, distribute, or possess __________ child pornography.

Accepted Answer

The U.S. Supreme Court struck down provisions in the Child Pornography Prevention Act of 1996, which made it a crime to create, distribute, or possess virtual child pornography. The court ruled that the ban on virtual child pornography violated the First Amendment's guarantee of free speech. However, the production and distribution of actual child pornography remain illegal.

Question 9

One of the first regulations of broadcasting in the United States, the Radio Act of 1912 made it a legal requirement that __________.

Accepted Answer

The Radio Act of 1912 required that all large ships maintain radio contact with other ships or shore stations in order to improve communication and safety at sea. This regulation was put in place after the sinking of the Titanic in 1912, which highlighted the need for better communication methods for maritime vessels. The other choices (A, B, and C) are not accurate descriptions of the Radio Act of 1912.

Question 10

During the 1910s, most radio broadcasters in the United States were __________.

Accepted Answer

During the 1910s, radio broadcasting was still in its infancy and most of those involved were amateur technology enthusiasts who had a passion for tinkering with equipment and experimenting with broadcasting signals.

Question 11

A copyright is in effect for the lifetime of the actual author, plus __________ years.

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is C, as per the current copyright law in the United States, the duration is the lifetime of the author plus 70 years.

Question 12

The Telecommunications Act of 1996, the first major regulatory overhaul of telecommunications since 1934, was designed to __________.

Accepted Answer

The Telecommunications Act of 1996 was designed to decrease regulation and increase competition in the telecommunications industry. This legislation opened up the market to more competition by allowing new players to enter the market and providing a more level playing field for all telecom companies. The Act also sought to promote innovation and investment in new technologies, while also protecting consumer interests.

Question 13

Since the passage of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, there has been dramatic growth in __________.

Accepted Answer

The Telecommunications Act of 1996 deregulated media ownership rules, leading to a concentration of media ownership in the hands of a few large corporations. This trend has continued since the act's passage.

Question 14

The possibility of global hits such as The Simpsons and NCIS can be explained in part by the EU's steady trends of liberalization and __________ in radio and television.

Accepted Answer

The liberalization and privatization of radio and television in the EU have allowed for more competition and diversity in programming, facilitating the spread of global hits like The Simpsons and NCIS.

Question 15

Which Asian country has a stronger degree of control over electronic media than the European Union or the United States?

Accepted Answer

Singapore has strict government regulations and laws controlling electronic media, including the requirement for news websites to obtain licenses, restrictions on political content, and censorship of online content. These regulations give the government a high degree of control over electronic media in Singapore, more so than the European Union or the United States.

Question 16

You have just finished writing the Great American Novel (a personal assessment not shared by your Creative Writing professor). At this stage, what next step will best help you legally protect your work?

Accepted Answer

The answer of You have just finished writing the Great...

Question 17

Falsely shouting "fire" in a crowded theater is a restriction on speech known as the __________ test.

Accepted Answer

The clear and present danger test is a legal principle used to determine whether speech is protected under the First Amendment. It holds that speech which presents a clear and present danger to public safety is not protected and can be restricted. This principle was first articulated by Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. in the 1919 case Schenck v. United States. The example of falsely shouting "fire" in a crowded theater is often used to illustrate the application of this test.

Question 18

Although not prohibited, __________ is subject to federal regulation.

Accepted Answer

Indecent speech is subject to federal regulation under the Federal Communications Commission's rules regarding obscenity, indecency, and profanity on broadcast radio and television stations. The other choices, while potentially controversial or offensive, are protected under the First Amendment's guarantee of freedom of expression.

Question 19

In 1798, the Federalist-controlled U.S. Congress passed the Alien and Sedition Acts in response to __________.

Accepted Answer

The Alien and Sedition Acts were passed in response to the perceived threat of war with France, as the Federalists were concerned that French immigrants living in the United States might support France in any conflict. The laws also aimed to silence critics of the Federalist Party, which was in control of Congress at the time.

Question 20

Who was Peter Zenger?

Accepted Answer

Peter Zenger was a New York printer and journalist who was arrested and charged with seditious libel for publishing criticisms of the governor. However, his successful defense, led by Andrew Hamilton, established the precedent of freedom of the press in the American colonies.

Quiz 12: Communication Law and Regulation in the Digital Age