THE POST: FILM ASSIGNMENT The following questions relate to our viewing of the film, The Post. This historical film recounts the discovery by journalists of a 30-year-long government cover-up regarding US involvement in the Vietnam War. As you view the film, fill in the answers to the following five questions. (Worth 1 pt. each) 1. What newspaper is the focus of the film? 2. How does Ben Bagdikian (played Bob Odenkirk) obtain the papers regarding the cover-up and who does he contact to get them? 3. How did Katherine Graham become editor-in-chief of the paper? 4. The government takes the paper to court in attempt to retaliate for the publishing of the story. The paper’s defense is based on rights guaranteed by which US amendment? 5. Of the nine votes from the US Supreme Court Justices, how many voted in favor of the paper? Voted against? After viewing the film, refer back to Chapter 3 in the text. Use your background knowledge and previous consideration of ethics in journalism to answer the following questions. (Worth 3 pts. each) 1. Why was Katherine Graham’s decision such a difficult one to make? (How was her loyalty being played upon?) 2. Is there ever a reason for a newspaper to deliberately refrain from publishing a story? Use a hypothetical scenario or real-life example in your answer. 3. What consequences might have ensued if Graham had decided NOT to print the story? 4. Do you see any parallels between the story in the film and any we’ve seen in media recently? Use an example in your answer. 5. Why is it important for societies to maintain a free press? (What does a free press ensure?)
