COMM764: Media and Politics Essay

Student ID: 201524660

Word count: 3488

Q1: Discuss the relationship of journalism to democracy and the extent to which

contemporary journalistic practice either supports or undermines the democratic process.

Introduction

Journalism is regarded to as the process of gathering and reporting news for the general

public is known as. News and other related pieces are especially gathered, edited, and released or

broadcast for tabloids, journals, radio, or television in this profession. A unique style of reporting

or scholarly writing that is exclusive to the literary genre is employed in journalism. People are

generally curious about what is going on in their community, and reporting is a fantastic way to

learn about it. A democracy needs journalism because it gives its people access to knowledge on

whatever topic they are interested in.

One fundamental element of a liberal democracy, which is presently the most common

form of governance, is the division of powers among the several separate branches of

government. These branches typically consist of the legislature, which enacts laws, the judiciary,

which applies and interprets the law, and the executive, which administers and operates the

government. In the past, societies were smaller and individuals could participate in discussions

and decision-making in person or through handwritten letters. The ability of the populace to

actively engage in the decision-making process regarding their own lives, either directly or

through their elected officials, is the fundamental tenet and assumption of democracy. Respect

for human rights, press freedom, the ability to participate in public affairs, and the ability to vote
and be elected in legitimate, regular elections with secret ballots are characteristics of a robust

democratic society.

Due to the need for mediation, as populations increased, communication in democracies

is now mediated. The newspaper was the first mass media, and was later joined by radio,

television, and the internet. The media was considered the fourth estate, adding checks and

balances to the three pillars of government, due to its growing role as a watchdog that keeps an

eye on how the country is governed by exposing abuses and corruption while simultaneously

holding those in authority accountable. However, the relationship is complex, and contemporary

journalistic practices present both supportive and undermining elements to the democratic

process.

The role of Journalism in promoting democracy

The advancements in communications technology and the resulting economic

organisations of journalism have made the role of the journalist in a democracy more important

and challenging in recent decades. The world is inundated with a deluge of indistinguishable

information thanks to technology, which is transforming the audience for news and information

from passive consumers to proactive buyers who choose what they want, when they want it, and

how. Additionally, good journalism exposes the weaknesses in the democratic system, which

eventually aids in the government's efforts to close these gaps and improve the system's

accountability, openness, and democracy. Another way to put it is that a democracy without the

media is like a car without tires.

 Journalism serves the fundamental function of disseminating the knowledge required for

reasoned discussion. The foundation of a sound, functioning democracy is the electorate's ability

to make educated decisions, which depends on the caliber of information they are given. As an

institution, the media has long benefited from its reputation as a reliable primary conduit of news

and information. It is now impossible for every person to actively engage in the democratic

process as a result of population growth. As a result, democracy became representational, with

representatives speaking and acting on behalf of the people. In this setting, the media has

assumed the responsibility of representing the population to the government.

Disseminating information is one of the media's primary responsibilities in a democracy.

The media disseminates news and analysis via a variety of venues, including newspapers, radio,

television, and digital channels, allowing the public to remain informed about current affairs.

With the use of this knowledge, people are better equipped to engage in civic life, make educated

decisions, and meaningfully add to public conversation. In addition, the media monitors the

activities of institutions and government officials in the capacity of a watchdog. Investigative

journalism holds public authorities responsible for their actions by exposing malfeasance, abuses

of authority, and corruption.

Since journalism offers a special means of questioning an authority's operations when

other agencies are unable to, it is crucial. The three branches of government in a democracy are

the legislature, the executive branch, and the courts. The parliament is thought to scrutinise the

executive branch, but in reality, it is unable to do so. This occurs because all political parties,

whether they are in power or not, have secrets they would prefer to keep hidden in order to avoid

being accused of being hypocritical. Due to a lack of members, the opposition purposefully

attempts to disrupt parliament sessions by holding sporadic meetings and sidestepping difficult
conversations. On the other side, because of their workload, the courts frequently find it difficult

to respond to requests for expediency from the public. Even in this environment of chaos and

disinformation, some reporters continue to bring up issues of public concern, identify the root

reasons, organise discussions, and spread ideals that have the power to influence institutions.

They fulfill their obligations to have a logical and significant influence on society. In an effort to

educate the general public on matters that concern them, they attempt to force open national

institutions or the government that have a reputation for secrecy (Oswald, 1993). Amidst the

diminishing importance of intellectuals and artists in academia, journalism remains a media that

actively challenges the facile, optimistic narratives of those in positions of power.

By offering a platform for idea exchange, journalism gives voice to those who cannot

speak for themselves. It assists the public in gaining knowledge about politics and the conduct of

politicians by alerting them to instances of power abuse and corruption. In today's nations, the

growth of democratic processes depends on journalism. It is important to recognise that

journalism’s primary duties include acting as watchdogs, agenda-setters, and gatekeepers. As

watchdogs, the media must protect the public interest by holding influential decision-makers

accountable for their actions. By drawing attention to instances of wrongdoing, poor

management, and corruption, they can increase the openness and efficacy of government.

The news media, as agenda setters, have a duty and obligation to bring widespread social

issues to the public's attention, educate decision-makers about issues of shared interest, and

enlighten the world community about issues related to development. As gatekeepers, the news

media have an obligation to enhance the public realm, increase the range of opinions and

arguments heard in reasoned public deliberations, and reflect and include a range of viewpoints

and political persuasions in reporting (Schudson, 2008).

 The media also serves as a channel of communication between the governed and the

governing. Policies are scrutinised through the offered talks to make sure they best serve the

interests of the general public. Decision-making is perceived as involving those who will be

impacted, and there is an improvement in communication and mutual understanding between the

two sides. This helps the general public build a civic culture that prioritises communication over

confrontation.

Additionally, the media has developed into a crucial instrument for reducing poverty and

promoting public empowerment and national harmony. Reducing poverty involves more than

just transferring wealth from the rich to the poor. It also involves providing information to the

underprivileged so they can engage in political and social activities on a larger scale. This is

predicated on the knowledge that impoverished people find it challenging to advocate for their

rights as they are unaware of them. It is extremely difficult to elevate the impoverished out of

poverty if they are not aware of the rules and the processes that must be followed in order to

receive their entitlements or make up for what has been denied (Hewapathirana, 2018). Despite

this, it is impossible to claim that democracy is ingrained in a society where the voiceless and

impoverished are silenced. The impoverished are given access to news, which motivates them to

participate in civic life.

Voter turnout is positively correlated with the frequency and amount of local political

news that residents of an area receive. Local news media coverage has been seen to have a

positive effect on voter turnout, but only when the news media gives politically pertinent details

to the electorate and only at local elections. Where there are more local newspapers per capita,

voters have exhibited a higher propensity to cast ballots in down-ballot races. Through a

comparison of legislative ballot completion data with news circulation statistics, St. Olaf College
researchers discovered that the mere presence of local newspapers increases the probability that

voters will cast more ballots (Chapp & Aehl, 2021).

In races for the state Supreme Court, local media coverage has been seen to boost

turnout. According to David Hughes’ research, these contests are frequently referred to as "low

information elections" since voters may learn little or nothing about the candidates and issues at

stake. However, media coverage of a race can create and disseminate information about it just as

effectively as a well-funded campaign (Hughes, 2020).

Voting locally is more likely with those who read local news. The behaviors of

individuals who consume both local and national media through conventional and online

mediums are positively correlated with voting at both the local and national levels. Voters are

less likely to cast ballots and may find it more difficult to assess candidates in areas with less

campaign publicity. Using congressional districts as a lens, Jennifer L. Lawless and Danny

Hayes (2015) examined civic involvement (by a survey of almost 50,000 people) and political

coverage (across 6,000 articles) in the month preceding the 2010 election. The same researchers

then examined how a drop in local political news coverage affects citizen engagement using

longitudinal data. Over a four-year period, local newspapers' coverage of congressional elections

decreased in terms of political news, and with it, the public's understanding of those positions

and voting.

The loss or decline of a significant journalistic source has a profound impact on local

political participation. There have been significant drops in local news in hundreds of places

where this has occurred. Additionally, Danny Hayes and Jennifer L. Lawless discovered that the

"hollowing out" of American newspapers over a 30-year period had a significant impact on local

political engagement, such as a decline in political knowledge and a decreased desire to

participate in politics. This included an enormous decrease in the volume of local news generated

by newspapers of every kind, with the most significant reductions in local government and

school coverage.

Journalists also plays a significant role as representatives. Since nations are too large to

consider every viewpoint as input for organisations, representation is always necessary in

democratic societies. Politicians have to give in to some interests and ignore others; they are

unable to represent all interests. Even if they appease every worry, their power stems from their

political standing rather than the legitimacy of their cause. Instead, journalism spreads

throughout society, connecting with a variety of communities as it can and bringing the views of

the marginalised to a larger public. For most countries, journalists provide an in depth analysis

and a voice to people who do not have such access to the government, allowing them to provide

crucial information to the government, especially their woes and political swing.

There is probably less government transparency and declining local news capacity in

areas with unstable internet connectivity. There is minimal motivation for governments to

establish engaging digital practices, or to think about and react to civic input, considering that

hindering such spaces is undoubtedly beneficial in ensuring the preservation of political power in

regions where decreases in local newsrooms and finances hinder political reporting and

examination of government actions. When combined, these factors provide a ruinous trifecta

consisting of minimally accountable local governments, illegitimate local decision-making, and

ignorant citizens.

People remain interested in their physical place and local government when they are

exposed to local news from local proprietors. Meredith Metzler (2021) surveyed residents of two

distinct rural towns about their information-gathering practices and evaluated their local media
environment. Metzler discovered a connection between involvement in the local community,

affection for the local media, and involvement with the community at large. By using inclusive

journalism, underrepresented communities' voices are given a platform to air their views.

Journalism serves as a bridge by bringing attention to issues that impact many societal groups

and encouraging a sense of shared responsibility. This inclusiveness fosters social fairness and

equality, which fortifies the democratic fabric.

Fighting false information using fact-checking programs and encouraging media literacy

among the populace are vital first steps. To guarantee that every opinion can be heard and

represented, newsrooms must actively promote diversity and inclusion. Promising opportunities

for maintaining public-interest and investigative reporting are also presented by the growth of

non-profit journalism. In the end, recovering journalism's democratic mandate involves both

consumers and journalists. It is important to prioritise factual truth, ethical reporting, plus a

dedication to the public interest are essential for journalists. In the meanwhile, readers need to

use critical thinking skills, switch up their news sources of information, and demand

transparency from journalists.

Through Journalism, diverse viewpoints and voices come together to create an

environment that fosters the free flow of ideas. The media creates a continuous conversation that

allows people to participate in knowledgeable discussion on a wide range of topics through

newspapers, radio, television, and digital platforms. In democracies, free speech is essential

because it allows people to voice their thoughts and contributes to an intellectual marketplace

where ideas are tried, honed, and challenged. The media's function in creating a conversation

platform facilitates the examination of various viewpoints, leading to a more profound

comprehension of intricate societal matters. Furthermore, this intellectual interchange has the
ability to strengthen social consensus. The media helps close gaps between opposing viewpoints

and identify common ground by fostering communication and understanding. As a result, a

dynamic media landscape plays a crucial role in influencing public policy since it represents the

people's informed choices and collective will. In the end, the ability of the media to promote

public dialogue is essential to the durability and operation of democratic institutions, where the

influence of knowledgeable voices aids in the development and improvement of society norms

and government.

A diversified press empowers the public to make knowledgeable political judgments. A

free press increases the likelihood that the truth will come to light and influence politics by

allowing dissenting opinions and assertions to be challenged. Politicians can thus respond

correctly when they are aware of the societal sentiment thanks to democratic media (Moskowitz

2020). The public and government should respect the media personnel if they are to perform

responsible journalism that is impartial, transparent, and accountable. This means that in addition

to criticising the government, journalism should also highlight the good things the government is

doing to promote development.

Even while there are certainly flaws in the journalism sector, it is still crucial for

democracy and should not be underestimated. Reporters make an effort to monitor a nation's

changes. They make an effort to pay great attention to the government, its policies, frauds, and

results, and they constantly show consideration for the plight of the poor and marginalised.

Journalism serves as society's eyes, ears, and mouth. Once more, in the event that the

government fails to fulfill its promises, journalism serves as a watchdog on society and reveals

the lies that the people have been forced to believe. This could lead to the overthrow of the
government or, at the very least, provide elected officials a chance to accept responsibility for

their actions and live up to public expectations.

Problems experienced by Journalism

Journalism's place in democracy is not without difficulties, though. Problems like

disinformation, propaganda, and media bias have the power to sabotage democracy by

influencing public opinion and distorting public discourse. Thus, it is imperative that citizens

possess critical thinking abilities and media literacy. The proliferation of false information and

fake news is one of the most urgent problems facing journalism today. Social media's widespread

use has made it simpler than ever for misinformation and fake news to proliferate, which might

have detrimental effects on democracy. Fake news can occasionally be used to influence

elections, change public opinion, and undermine confidence in the media and other institutions.

Journalism's primary goal is to impartially report on reality to the public. Journalism

seems straightforward, but it involves far more than you may imagine. Becoming a journalist is

linked to a set of ethical standards. Journalists have an obligation to be truthful and devoted to

the public. Regretfully, things are not always as simple as they look. In actuality, suppressing

publications is a regular tactic used by extremist groups and the government. They would try to

restrict what the general public could and could not read in some places (Soroka & Wlezien,

2022). It appears that these administrations are in no way comparable to democratic ones.

The truth is often shaped by journalists and the media, and many people accept this.

Journalists occasionally reports on the newest story while omitting the fact that it is not always
what it seems to be. The audience is typically spared the details and supporting documentation in

favor of some "interesting" news. News ought not to be produced to entertain and divert the

public, even if it seems more thrilling and entertaining to those seeing it. The news's main goal is

to inform people about what is going on in the world and the truth about sensitive subjects.

Journalism has its own shortcomings, just like any other human endeavor. Reporters are

susceptible to preconceptions, prejudices, blind spots, and arrogant visions. The reporters are

frequently employed by larger organisations with vested interests that constrain them. They must

lift their reporting standards despite working in a hostile atmosphere where they are frequently

challenged by peer groups, which ultimately helps readers separate the excellent from the

excellent. Despite all of its flaws, the media has a number of real-time self-correcting systems.

Conclusion

For some, the idea of good governance is utopian since it represents an ideal kind of

government that is difficult to attain. A democracy's transition from a developing to a developed

state is largely dependent on the activities of its media. Journalists ought to concentrate mostly

on issues that are true and typically have a social and economic component. Every citizen of a

democratic society must participate and work together to achieve the ideal of good government.

Journalism, with all of its notable functions, procedures, and content, is thought to be the most

effective tool for achieving this aim. Therefore, in a democracy, we might argue that the media

serves as a communicator. By giving individuals a thorough understanding of significant issues

affecting citizens of such democratic nations, it educates and raises people's awareness of the
current state of events. Media freedom is crucial to democracy since it is an essential component

of it and aids in the smooth operation of the state.

Objectivity and ethics are the cornerstones of journalism. Journalists work hard to deliver

accurate and impartial information so that the general public can know the truth. They strive to

offer facts free from prejudice and personal agenda while abiding by a stringent code of conduct.

However, the search of impartiality is a never-ending task because journalists are not completely

immune to their individual opinions and biases. To keep the public's trust, journalists must

continue to be introspective, open to criticism, and transparent.

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