Terminology is important. This glossary features the most often used and sometimes misunderstood words, acronyms, and phrases relating to Media and freedom of expression.
Censorship
The changing or the
silencing or prevention of speech, writing, publishing etc. that is deemed to
be negative for the “common good” according to whoever controls the censor.
Censorship is often used in dictatorships to control the media and what
information they can share with the public.
Copyright
The legal right to
control and produce or publish original photographs, a book, play, film or a
piece of music,
Context
The circumstances within which something happens or exists, and that can help to explain it. Without context, a media message, for example, a photo or a headline, can be misunderstood.
Government media
Media such as TV and radio that is controlled, owned, and/or funded by a government. Also: state media, state-owned media.
Hate speech
Speech and expression that degrades a person or persons because of who they are, or who someone thinks they are.
Independent media
Media that is free of
government or corporate influence.
Media and
information literacy
Skills that enable a
person access, analyze and reflect on media content, and create their own
media.
Media
monopoly
When the control of the
media, or the market for a particular type of media, lies with one person or
organization, preventing competition.
Meme
An idea, video, image, etc. that is often humorous and spread rapidly on the internet:
Propaganda
Information that can be
true or false and is spread to convince an audience. It is often politically
motivated and comes from governments or ideological movements. The lines
between propaganda and advertising as well as publicity/PR, are often blurred.
Satire
Media that uses irony, sarcasm, and ridicule to make fun of and also criticize parts of society. Satire can become misinformation if people misinterpret it as factual. Many ‘memes’ use satire to make a point or get laughs.
Representation
When media includes all different types of people, for example in news, films, politics, or sport, it can be said that many different groups are ‘represented’.
Social media
Websites and applications where users can access, create and share content on digital devices.
Source
Someone or something from which one obtains information. It can be anything from a person that is interviewed to an organization, a book or scientific paper.
Stereotype
An idea of, and a way of describing a particular type of person or thing, or a person or thing thought to represent such an idea, in an oversimplified and often negative way.
Vlogger
A person who posts videos on a blog or a social media platform on a regular basis.
Basis for the definitions in this glossary come from many sources including Claire Wardle: Information Disorder: The Essential Glossary, Harvard Kennedy School, Shorenstein Center; Google Internet Awesome; Iis Internetstiftelsen, Sweden.