9- Global Media Law or Ethics

News Media in the United States Versus Japan

Many types of media are incredibly popular within the United States, including social media, news websites, and the daily news on television. Over the last several decades the United States has created its own way of portraying modern events. While the US uses a similar format as many other countries, news providers from nations with different cultural backgrounds often approach the media in slightly different ways. In order to stay informed on events taking place in different countries, it is a good idea to go directly to those sources. However, understanding the different cultural practices that have influenced their media is extremely important. 

United States of America Media

Before addressing other countries, it is important to understand how the United States handles media. The US news media is extremely diverse in the sense that anyone can produce news content. There are several official news providers such as Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC. These news stations each have their own biases regarding left or right-wing ideology and influence countless people across the country. There are also non-profit news providers such as the Associated Press that are extremely popular among citizens who wish to remain informed on modern events. The amount of freedom that each news provider is given causes competition between them, leading to each one trying to get "the scoop" before the others can. In the US there is also a large emphasis on the freedom of information. Details of news conferences and other meetings are often used by all news sources. 

Secretary Karoline Leavitt at Washington D.C. on March 19

With the rise of social media, however, everyone who has a social media platform can provide news to others, no matter how credible or misinformative it is. This has become extremely prevalent with the rise of TikTok Influencers. According to a study conducted by Pew Research Center, about 14% of US adults encounter news based content on a video based platform. While this format is extremely accessible, anyone can insert their own biases into their videos. This unfortunately extends to the main sources of news in the media, with many outlets choosing headlines that will attract attention rather than simply state the facts. 

Japanese Media

There are many countries that feature different social and political structures from the United States, and Japan is a great example of how this can affect news media. Japan is an extremely rule-based society with customs for how to properly greet one another, enter another person's home, and the proper manners for social events. This is mostly due to Japan's emphasis on fitting in with the main group in a uniform manner. 

Former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga (left) bowing to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (right)

The very structured society of Japan has led to exclusivity in its news media. Unlike the United States where anyone can produce media with access to press conferences, Japanese media is limited to a few elite clubs. Journalists who are affiliated with the largest news providers are the only ones with access to press conferences and other important meetings, and that information is often not disclosed to smaller magazines or newspapers. Even among the elite, journalists are often prohibited from discussing topics outside of what they have specific instructions to cover. Doing so often results in a journalist being removed from the inner circle of news providers and therefore forfeiting his or her ability to access important information.

News media in Japan is also codependent on the government. The Japanese government relies on the media to release credible information out to the public, while the news providers rely on the government to provide valuable information. In contrast to the US media's tendency to rely on eye-catching headlines, Japanese media stays away from relying on controversial topics and headlines because providers try to maintain a close relationship with their news sources. Some of the most popular Japanese sources are the Japan Times and NHK World- Japan. 

Understanding Modern Events

In both the United States and Japan, important information is given to news providers so that citizens can understand it in a format that suits their culture. Although there are distinct differences in how the media receives their information, they all depend on credible sources. Understanding the cultural differences between each nation helps to comprehend the media's approach to different topics as well as where each news source obtains their information. In order to maintain a solid sense of awareness of how other countries around the world discuss modern events helps keep people informed and up to date.