Spotlight and Investigative Journalism: How the Film Reinforces the Essential Role of a Free,Professional Press in a Democracy |
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| Authors: | Michele Drohan |
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| Institution: | Sling TV, Pratt Institute’s School of Information, Brooklyn, New York, USA |
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| Abstract: | This article examines key scenes and ideas portrayed in the film Spotlight and discusses related landmark Supreme Court cases as a reaffirmation of the value of a professional, free press in a democratic society. Based on actual events, the movie adaptation follows journalists from the Boston Globe (within an investigate unit with the actual name “Spotlight”) as they reveal one of the biggest scandals of the twenty-first century, the cover up of systematic abuse of children by priests; and go up against one of the most powerful institutions in the world, the Catholic Church. By giving a voice and a platform for the victims, and by meticulously researching the story, the film provides a clear and strong argument for the continued court protection of one of the United States’ founding principles: freedom of the press. |
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| Keywords: | Freedom of the press information policy journalism Spotlight |
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