Step 1
The words and phrases below will appear in the video. Use the various Quizlet study modes to get used to the words. Enjoy!
Step 2
Listen to the video and answer the questions. If you cannot answer the questions after listening, please read and listen. Good luck!
Step 3
Read the following text and answer the questions.
Japan
• Population: 126,264,931
• GDP per capita: $43,236
• Freedom of the press score in 2020: 28.9 – 66th out of 180 (“problematic”)
• Freedom of the press score in 2019: 29.4 – 67th out of 180 (“problematic”)
• Worst area of press freedom: Transparency
• Best area of press freedom: Legislative framework
Press freedom in Japan ranks behind the majority of the other richest countries in the world. A law that can put journalists and whistleblowers in prison for a decade for obtaining information in a manner deemed to be illegal has had a chilling effect and contributes to businesses undue influence over the press. Members of the press also frequently complain of a climate of mistrust and a system that discriminates against freelancers and foreign journalists since 2012, when Shinzo Abe was elected prime minister again.
Still, certain newspapers remain trusted and widely circulated in the country.
Step 4
Look at the infographic map. Ask and answer the following questions in a pair/small group.
- How independent are the media in your country?
- Â Which country has the least independent media?
- Which country has the most independent media in Africa?
- Which continent has the least independent media?
- Which country fell seven spots due to violence against the media?
- How (if at all) do you think we can make the media more independent?
- What do you know about Edward Snowden?
- Do you know of any other whistleblowers?
- Do you think whistleblowing should be encouraged? Why/why not?
- Would you ever blow the whistle if you saw wrong doing in school or in your company?