C. Now read this essay and complete the gaps with one of the words or expressions from Tasks A and B. You may need to change the form of some of the words. Box A
1. current affairs 2. reporters 3. journalists 4. tabloids 5. broadsheets 6. coverage 7. information overload 8. broadcasts 9. web 10. website
11. download 12. the Internet 13. log on
Box B
entertainment • invasion of privacy • exploiting • libel • censorship
information • readership • media tycoon • paparazzi • freedom of the press
unscrupulous • gutter press • chequebook journalism
‘The media plays a valuable role in keeping us informed and entertained. However, many people believe it has too much power and freedom.’ Discuss your views on this, giving examples and presenting a balanced argument both in favour of, and against, the power and freedom of the media.

Barely a hundred years ago, if we wanted to stay informed about what was going on in the world, we had to rely on word of mouth or, at best, newspapers. But because communication technology was very basic, the news we received was often days or weeks old.

We still have newspapers, of course, but they have changed almost beyond recognition. Whether we choose to read the 1 , with their quality 2 of news and other 3 by top 4 and articles by acclaimed 5 , or if we prefer the popular 6 , with their lively gossip and colourful stories, we are exposed to a wealth of information barely conceivable at the beginning of the last century.

We also have television and radio. News 7 let us know about world events practically as they happen, while sitcoms, chat shows and documentaries, etc. keep us entertained and informed. And there is also the 8 , where we can access information from millions of 9 around the world which we can then 10 onto our own computers.

However, these forms of 11 and 12 (or
‘infotainment’ as they are now sometimes collectively called) have their negative side. Famous personalities frequently accuse the 13 (and sometimes even respectable papers) of 14 by the 15 who are determined to get a story at any cost. Newspapers are often accused of 16 politicians who dislike reading lies about themselves, and there are frequent accusations of 17 , with 18 reporters paying people to create stories for their newspapers or television programmes. Of course, it is not just the papers which are to blame. Sex and violence are increasing on the television. Undesirable people fill the 19 with equally undesirable material which can be accessed by anyone with a home computer. And the fear of 20 prevents many from 21 to the Internet.

Many argue that the government should impose stricter 22 to prevent such things happening. But others argue that 23 is the keystone of a free country. Personally, I take the view that while the media may occasionally abuse its position of power, the benefits greatly outweigh the disadvantages. Our lives would be much emptier without the wealth of information available to us today, and we are better people as a result.

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