Democratic theory and Democratic theory and public journalism public journalism

practicepractice

JDD JMS3JDD JMS3

DemocracyDemocracy

‘‘Demos’Demos’ = people. = people. Form of government in which the people Form of government in which the people

rule. rule. Lincoln: “Government of the people, by Lincoln: “Government of the people, by

the people and for the people.”the people and for the people.” Four Four basic elements basic elements central to all notions central to all notions

of democracy:of democracy:– Participation;Participation;– Equality;Equality;– Representivity;Representivity;– Accountability.Accountability.

There is no society where each of these There is no society where each of these elements is perfectly present. How does one elements is perfectly present. How does one evaluate the extent of democracy in a evaluate the extent of democracy in a society?society?

4 elements as tests of democracy:4 elements as tests of democracy:– To what extent is political influence evenly To what extent is political influence evenly

distributed among people in the society?distributed among people in the society?– To what extent are government decisions subject To what extent are government decisions subject

to popular control?to popular control?– To what extent do the people who make the To what extent do the people who make the

decisions reflect the views and/or identity of the decisions reflect the views and/or identity of the people on whose behalf the decisions are made?people on whose behalf the decisions are made?

– To what extent is the right to, opportunity to and To what extent is the right to, opportunity to and desire to influence political decision-making desire to influence political decision-making evenly distributed in society?evenly distributed in society?

South African democracySouth African democracy

We are a representative democracy. We are a representative democracy. People do not participate directly in taking People do not participate directly in taking

most of the decisions that affect them – most of the decisions that affect them – we hand over this decision-making right to we hand over this decision-making right to our representatives. our representatives.

AuditAudit of a representative democracy of a representative democracy requires us to ask certain questions... requires us to ask certain questions...

1. Participation1. Participation People should play an active role in some People should play an active role in some

way in governing or making decisions or way in governing or making decisions or choosing who should make decisions.choosing who should make decisions.

Not good enough simply to say that Not good enough simply to say that whether or not people become involved whether or not people become involved depends on their own personal depends on their own personal preferences. preferences.

Also depends on:Also depends on:– whether people think their participation can whether people think their participation can

make a difference;make a difference;– access to information;access to information;– the ability to assess and process information;the ability to assess and process information;– the time and resources to become involved. the time and resources to become involved.

Problem of scaleProblem of scale– Athens small, although Plato thought it too Athens small, although Plato thought it too

large – 5040 ideallarge – 5040 ideal– Democracy works best in small polities, where Democracy works best in small polities, where

citizens can gather and listen, if not speak, to citizens can gather and listen, if not speak, to each other. each other.

Problem of faction (Madison):Problem of faction (Madison):– ““Mobilisation of a majority or minority around a Mobilisation of a majority or minority around a

common interest or passion that went counter common interest or passion that went counter to the common good is the ‘disease of to the common good is the ‘disease of democracy’.”democracy’.”

Other obstacles:Other obstacles:– ““The trouble with democracy is that is takes up The trouble with democracy is that is takes up

too many free evenings.” Oscar Wildetoo many free evenings.” Oscar Wilde

Representative democracy seen as an Representative democracy seen as an answer to the obstacles to democracy – answer to the obstacles to democracy – wisdom of the few surpassed that of the wisdom of the few surpassed that of the many.many.

Elect representatives – delegate decision-Elect representatives – delegate decision-making to a minority. A check on internal making to a minority. A check on internal obstacles to democratic life. (Does this obstacles to democratic life. (Does this mean all decisions should be made in this mean all decisions should be made in this way?)way?)

Audit for participation? What are we Audit for participation? What are we looking for? looking for? – Channels and opportunities for Channels and opportunities for

participation are available to people participation are available to people (regardless of whether or not they use (regardless of whether or not they use them);them);

– How extensively, regularly and How extensively, regularly and effectively people actually do participate effectively people actually do participate in politics in some way? Should govt/ in politics in some way? Should govt/ press actively foster participation? press actively foster participation?

2. Accountability2. Accountability

Leaders have to answer to the people in Leaders have to answer to the people in some way for the decisions which they some way for the decisions which they make.make.

One mechanism is elections – if held One mechanism is elections – if held regularly then those in power will want to regularly then those in power will want to make sure that they fulfil their election make sure that they fulfil their election promises.promises.

Does the extent of viable opposition affect Does the extent of viable opposition affect accountability? accountability?

We have institutions which seek to ensure We have institutions which seek to ensure that civil and political liberties are advanced that civil and political liberties are advanced and protected:and protected:

The public prosecutorThe public prosecutor– Investigates any aspect of government’s conduct Investigates any aspect of government’s conduct

which is thought to be illegitimate or corrupt. which is thought to be illegitimate or corrupt. ICASAICASA

– Free press. Right to freedom of expression in the Free press. Right to freedom of expression in the Constitution. Constitution.

– ICASA promotes radio and TV broadcasting ICASA promotes radio and TV broadcasting which caters for all languages and cultural which caters for all languages and cultural groups in SA. groups in SA.

– Monitoring and complaints committee – can Monitoring and complaints committee – can complain about any broadcasting service or complain about any broadcasting service or practice.practice.

Constitution provides for a number of Constitution provides for a number of other institutions to support democracy:other institutions to support democracy:– Commission for gender equalityCommission for gender equality– The Youth CommissionThe Youth Commission– Commission on the Restitution of Land Commission on the Restitution of Land

RightsRights– Human Rights CommissionHuman Rights Commission– Commission for the Promotion and Commission for the Promotion and

Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Linguistic and Religious CommunitiesLinguistic and Religious Communities

3. Representivity3. Representivity We give responsibility for making most We give responsibility for making most

political decisions – to our elected political decisions – to our elected ‘representatives’.‘representatives’.

Problems:Problems:– When you elect someone to ‘represent’ you, do When you elect someone to ‘represent’ you, do

they know exactly what your views are on all they know exactly what your views are on all issues?issues?

– What happens when two people with totally What happens when two people with totally opposite views elect the same representative? opposite views elect the same representative? What does the rep do?What does the rep do?

– Our national reps are voted for by millions of Our national reps are voted for by millions of people. What does the concept of representation people. What does the concept of representation really mean is that case? Party list system (versus really mean is that case? Party list system (versus constituency system) makes it worse.constituency system) makes it worse.

– What does ‘representivity’ mean? That our What does ‘representivity’ mean? That our representatives represent our views? Or does it representatives represent our views? Or does it mean our elected institutions ‘look like’ or ‘mirror’ mean our elected institutions ‘look like’ or ‘mirror’ us (gender, ethnicity, colour, class, etc.)?us (gender, ethnicity, colour, class, etc.)?

Some would argue that representivity has Some would argue that representivity has nothing to do with either being like or nothing to do with either being like or representing the views of. representing the views of. – Instead, representatives chosen because Instead, representatives chosen because

of trust in their ability to make up their of trust in their ability to make up their own minds. (Lippmann)own minds. (Lippmann)

– Rulers represent their own views and Rulers represent their own views and their constituents can remove them if their constituents can remove them if they don’t like what they have done they don’t like what they have done over a five year period. over a five year period.

Majoritarianism as a test for democracy is Majoritarianism as a test for democracy is problematic. Which of the majority’s views problematic. Which of the majority’s views are going to be taken into account? are going to be taken into account? (Majorities are actually a shifting mass of (Majorities are actually a shifting mass of interests and views.) interests and views.)

Some groups are a permanent minority. Some groups are a permanent minority. What if the majority votes for only the What if the majority votes for only the majority languages to be represented? majority languages to be represented? Majorities don’t always come up with Majorities don’t always come up with decisions that are just. decisions that are just.

In SA certain decisions are placed out of In SA certain decisions are placed out of reach of majorities: Constitution states what reach of majorities: Constitution states what no-one may do (hang people, curtail no-one may do (hang people, curtail freedom of speech). freedom of speech).

Will of majority not a good definition of Will of majority not a good definition of democracy. democracy.

4. Equality4. Equality People have an equal right to play a role – People have an equal right to play a role –

class, wealth, intelligence, education, etc. do class, wealth, intelligence, education, etc. do not determine who plays a role and who not determine who plays a role and who doesn’t.doesn’t.

But, although rich and poor have an equal But, although rich and poor have an equal right to vote or stand for office, it is often right to vote or stand for office, it is often harder for poor people to make use of these harder for poor people to make use of these rights. rights.

Being poor means less access to information, Being poor means less access to information, education and resources, feeling less education and resources, feeling less confident or articulate to speak in public, and confident or articulate to speak in public, and to exercise one’s rights in general. to exercise one’s rights in general.

Do we have some belief in the Do we have some belief in the fundamental equality of people? Can’t talk fundamental equality of people? Can’t talk about democracy if you also want to limit about democracy if you also want to limit participation to certain categories of participation to certain categories of people. people.

In many societies vast socio-economic In many societies vast socio-economic differences between people are thought to differences between people are thought to make it difficult for everyone to equally make it difficult for everyone to equally exercise their rights to participate. exercise their rights to participate.

Literacy, transport, gender, education – Literacy, transport, gender, education – creates unevenness in participation. creates unevenness in participation.

The wealthy have more influence: The wealthy have more influence: – Media favour news and views that reflect the Media favour news and views that reflect the

interests and concerns of those who advertise in interests and concerns of those who advertise in them. Advertisers interested in an audience that them. Advertisers interested in an audience that has the money to buy their products – so they has the money to buy their products – so they advertise in media that is targeted at a market advertise in media that is targeted at a market with money. with money.

Is participation hampered? And by what Is participation hampered? And by what factors?factors?– Is SA less democratic for the poor than it is for Is SA less democratic for the poor than it is for

the middle or upper classes?the middle or upper classes?– Is SA more or less democratic for black people Is SA more or less democratic for black people

than for white people?than for white people?

Arguments about exclusionary structures Arguments about exclusionary structures have moved from legal, economic and have moved from legal, economic and social barriers to more refined and subtle social barriers to more refined and subtle modes of exclusion (cultural, psychological modes of exclusion (cultural, psychological and linguistic)and linguistic)

To overcome inequalities, participatory To overcome inequalities, participatory structures would have to be introduced in structures would have to be introduced in the workplace and in any public or private the workplace and in any public or private space, including the home.space, including the home.

Models of democracyModels of democracy

Basic distinction between protective (minimalist) Basic distinction between protective (minimalist) and developmental (expansive) models of and developmental (expansive) models of democracy democracy

Protective modelsProtective models– Core value - personal liberty. Core value - personal liberty. – Based on the Hobbesian (Thomas Hobbes) view that Based on the Hobbesian (Thomas Hobbes) view that

individuals are incorrigibly self-interested – govt should individuals are incorrigibly self-interested – govt should allow as much freedom as possible within a basic set of allow as much freedom as possible within a basic set of protective laws. protective laws.

Developmental modelsDevelopmental models– Moral imperative to be concerned with collective Moral imperative to be concerned with collective

problems, to participate knowledgeably in self-problems, to participate knowledgeably in self-governance, and to work towards expanding the governance, and to work towards expanding the capacity of every citizen to realise greater potential. i.e. capacity of every citizen to realise greater potential. i.e. Goes beyond the protection of individual rights. Goes beyond the protection of individual rights.

Teleology, deontonlogyTeleology, deontonlogy

Teleological model of democracy Teleological model of democracy evaluates the outcome of democratic evaluates the outcome of democratic procedure not in terms of how well procedure not in terms of how well the rules were followed the rules were followed (deontological), but in terms of the (deontological), but in terms of the intrinsic goodness of the outcome intrinsic goodness of the outcome itself (how well does it fulfil the itself (how well does it fulfil the community’s moral imperatives). community’s moral imperatives).

Lambeth on public Lambeth on public journalismjournalism

Listen to the stories/ ideas of citizens and Listen to the stories/ ideas of citizens and protect press freedom to choose what to protect press freedom to choose what to cover;cover;

Find alternative ways to frame stories that Find alternative ways to frame stories that stand the best chance to stimulate citizen stand the best chance to stimulate citizen deliberation and build public understanding;deliberation and build public understanding;

Take the initiative to report on major public Take the initiative to report on major public problems in a way that advances public problems in a way that advances public knowledge of possible solutions;knowledge of possible solutions;

Pay continuing and systematic attention to Pay continuing and systematic attention to how well and how credibly the press is how well and how credibly the press is communicating with the public. communicating with the public.

Public journalism: Public journalism: backgroundbackground

1988: first public journalism campaign 1988: first public journalism campaign launched by the Ledger-Inquirer in launched by the Ledger-Inquirer in Columbus, Georgia Columbus, Georgia

Since then more than 400 public journalism Since then more than 400 public journalism campaigns in US. campaigns in US.

Across newspapers, television, radio and the Across newspapers, television, radio and the Internet, either separately or collaboratively.Internet, either separately or collaboratively.

Majority of campaigns confined to local and Majority of campaigns confined to local and regional newspapers. regional newspapers.

Not just campaigns – altered daily coverage Not just campaigns – altered daily coverage of politics by focusing on the issues and of politics by focusing on the issues and perspectives of ordinary citizens. perspectives of ordinary citizens.

Conversation/ deliberationConversation/ deliberation

““The conversation of journalism.” Killenberg The conversation of journalism.” Killenberg and Dardenneand Dardenne

Focus on the central function of journalism: Focus on the central function of journalism: the communication of ideas. the communication of ideas.

People seen as interested in the deliberative People seen as interested in the deliberative process of society – therefore journalists to process of society – therefore journalists to serve as conduits for ideas that appeal and serve as conduits for ideas that appeal and are relevant to the public debate. are relevant to the public debate.

Notion of conversation as a basic human Notion of conversation as a basic human practice – includes the art of listening and practice – includes the art of listening and responsibility for understanding the other. responsibility for understanding the other.

But, “journalists often dominate the public But, “journalists often dominate the public sphere with monologues because there are sphere with monologues because there are no shared meanings, no common ground, no shared meanings, no common ground, and no reasons to respond for those who are and no reasons to respond for those who are culturally impoverished and incompetent to culturally impoverished and incompetent to communicate in their alienated and communicate in their alienated and decimated environments.” decimated environments.”

So, does the assumption of equality in So, does the assumption of equality in conversation offer false hope?conversation offer false hope?

But, once this lack of equality is recognised, But, once this lack of equality is recognised, it places additional responsibilities on it places additional responsibilities on journalism to initiate and lead those journalism to initiate and lead those conversations in “unconventional and conversations in “unconventional and creative forms and languages that capture creative forms and languages that capture the attention of the inattentive and challenge the attention of the inattentive and challenge the imagination of the disenchanted”. the imagination of the disenchanted”.

Examples of public journalism Examples of public journalism campaignscampaigns

““We the people” (Madison, Wisconsin)We the people” (Madison, Wisconsin)– Began in 1992 as a one-time presidential Began in 1992 as a one-time presidential

election effort; election effort; – Currently an ongoing cycle of four projects a Currently an ongoing cycle of four projects a

year to inform citizens and increase public year to inform citizens and increase public deliberation about elections and issues;deliberation about elections and issues;

– Techniques: town-hall meetings, candidate Techniques: town-hall meetings, candidate debates, interactive civic exercises (eg. citizen debates, interactive civic exercises (eg. citizen jury on the local budget or on development jury on the local budget or on development plan); plan);

– Public radio and television partners. Public radio and television partners.

Taking back our neighbourhoods Taking back our neighbourhoods (Charlotte NC)(Charlotte NC)– Covering elections from the standpoint of Covering elections from the standpoint of

citizen concerns;citizen concerns;– Purpose: pinpoint the sources of violent crime Purpose: pinpoint the sources of violent crime

in Charlotte and encourage the community to in Charlotte and encourage the community to respond with solutions;respond with solutions;

– Intensive reports on high-crime Intensive reports on high-crime neighbourhoods and the formulation of ‘needs neighbourhoods and the formulation of ‘needs lists’ for each neighbourhood to offer area lists’ for each neighbourhood to offer area residents and agencies some concrete ways to residents and agencies some concrete ways to help.help.

Facing our future Facing our future (Binghampton, NY)(Binghampton, NY)– Identifying community problems Identifying community problems

through newspaper surveys, call-ins and through newspaper surveys, call-ins and focus groups;focus groups;

– Formed citizen teams to devise solutions Formed citizen teams to devise solutions to these problems, reporting in depth on to these problems, reporting in depth on the relevant issues and encouraging the relevant issues and encouraging local leaders and citizens to work local leaders and citizens to work together to map out the road ahead.together to map out the road ahead.

Pew Centre for Civic Pew Centre for Civic JournalismJournalism

http://pewcentre.orghttp://pewcentre.org

http://www.pewcenter.org/doingcj/pubs/cjis/index.shtmlhttp://www.pewcenter.org/doingcj/pubs/cjis/index.shtml

http://www.pewcenter.org/doingcj/pubs/stop/index.shtmlhttp://www.pewcenter.org/doingcj/pubs/stop/index.shtml

http://www.pewcenter.org/doingcj/pubs/http://www.pewcenter.org/doingcj/pubs/pubs_toolbox.shtmlpubs_toolbox.shtml

http://www.pewcenter.org/doingcj/pubs/ctc/index.shtmlhttp://www.pewcenter.org/doingcj/pubs/ctc/index.shtml

http://www.pewcenter.org/doingcj/pubs/tcl/index.shtmlhttp://www.pewcenter.org/doingcj/pubs/tcl/index.shtml

http://www.pewcenter.org/doingcj/pubs/cases/http://www.pewcenter.org/doingcj/pubs/cases/index.shtmlindex.shtml

Public journalism networkPublic journalism network

http://www.pjnet.org/http://www.pjnet.org/

Vision 2010Vision 2010

http://www.savannahnow.com/features/vision2010/http://www.savannahnow.com/features/vision2010/

Vision 2010 – a public journalism Vision 2010 – a public journalism project on education.project on education.

Jay Rosen’s PressThinkJay Rosen’s PressThink

http://journalism.nyu.edu/pubzone/weblogs/http://journalism.nyu.edu/pubzone/weblogs/pressthink/pressthink/

““Today we say media instead of "the press." Today we say media instead of "the press." But it's a mistake. The press has become But it's a mistake. The press has become the ghost of democracy in the media the ghost of democracy in the media machine, and we need to keep it alive.”machine, and we need to keep it alive.”

The Echo Chamber ProjectThe Echo Chamber Project

http://www.echochamberproject.com/abouthttp://www.echochamberproject.com/about““The Echo Chamber Project is an open The Echo Chamber Project is an open

source, investigative documentary about source, investigative documentary about how the television news media became an how the television news media became an uncritical echo chamber to the Executive uncritical echo chamber to the Executive Branch leading up to the war in Iraq. Branch leading up to the war in Iraq.

By developing collaborative techniques for By developing collaborative techniques for producing this film, then this project can producing this film, then this project can potentially provide some solutions for potentially provide some solutions for incorporating a broader range of voices and incorporating a broader range of voices and perspectives into the mainstream media.”perspectives into the mainstream media.”

““Democracy and the next Democracy and the next generation”generation”

http://www.asne.org/ideas/goodideas/24.htmlhttp://www.asne.org/ideas/goodideas/24.html

The Kansas City Star initiated a multi-year The Kansas City Star initiated a multi-year youth advocacy project called "Raising youth advocacy project called "Raising Kansas City" in 1995. "Democracy and the Kansas City" in 1995. "Democracy and the Next Generation," encouraged young people Next Generation," encouraged young people to participate in the democratic process to participate in the democratic process through such projects as televised town hall through such projects as televised town hall meetings with major candidates, creation of meetings with major candidates, creation of classroom curricula, polling, editorial writing classroom curricula, polling, editorial writing and a 16-page guide The Star created for and a 16-page guide The Star created for first-time voters. first-time voters.

““What endangers teens”What endangers teens”

http://www.asne.org/ideas/goodideas/26.htmlhttp://www.asne.org/ideas/goodideas/26.html““The project represents an effort to illuminate the The project represents an effort to illuminate the

immense health risks that confront teen-agers. immense health risks that confront teen-agers. From the typical - smoking, drinking, drug use - to From the typical - smoking, drinking, drug use - to the tragic - suicide, murder, auto accidents - the the tragic - suicide, murder, auto accidents - the dangers facing teens are often a matter of public dangers facing teens are often a matter of public health. Yet such behavioral issues are never health. Yet such behavioral issues are never addressed as such. "A World of Risk" is unique in addressed as such. "A World of Risk" is unique in that it includes the work of teen-age reporters, that it includes the work of teen-age reporters, photographers, illustrators and editors. The photographers, illustrators and editors. The project included a health survey of teens, project included a health survey of teens, discussions and seminars, and a continuing life discussions and seminars, and a continuing life on-line, where the series and links are posted.” on-line, where the series and links are posted.”

Critiques of public Critiques of public journalismjournalism

Theodore Glasser: Two separate, Theodore Glasser: Two separate, related areas of confusion and related areas of confusion and controversy:controversy:– Press responsibility: what are the Press responsibility: what are the

consequences of a press wedded to a consequences of a press wedded to a strictly procedural role? strictly procedural role?

– Political power: what will convening the Political power: what will convening the community accomplish?community accomplish?

A strictly procedural role A strictly procedural role for the press?for the press?

““A detached, but not disinterested press. A detached, but not disinterested press. The role of the referee… a fair-minded The role of the referee… a fair-minded participant in a community that works. No participant in a community that works. No interest in the final scoreline other than that interest in the final scoreline other than that it is arrived at under the rules. The referee it is arrived at under the rules. The referee doesn’t make the rules… they are agreed on doesn’t make the rules… they are agreed on by the contestants. Journalists bring to the by the contestants. Journalists bring to the arena of public life knowledge of the rules – arena of public life knowledge of the rules – how the public has decided a democracy how the public has decided a democracy should work.”should work.”– Buzz Merritt (Buzz Merritt (Public Journalism and Public LifePublic Journalism and Public Life))

The activist role for the press is “non-The activist role for the press is “non-partisan and apolitical”. partisan and apolitical”.

““Press should create the capacity for a Press should create the capacity for a community to discover itself, including its community to discover itself, including its problems and the ways to solve them. I problems and the ways to solve them. I don’t believe journalists should be solving don’t believe journalists should be solving problems. I think they should be creating problems. I think they should be creating the capacity within a community for the capacity within a community for solving problems.” solving problems.” – Jay RosenJay Rosen

Glasser: Glasser: This is a liberal view of This is a liberal view of democracy… and a deontological/ democracy… and a deontological/ “procedural” role for the press. This “procedural” role for the press. This reflects liberal democratic theory which reflects liberal democratic theory which views democracy in terms of what is views democracy in terms of what is right right to doto do and generally not in terms of what is and generally not in terms of what is good to achievegood to achieve. .

Liberalism assigns a priority to individual Liberalism assigns a priority to individual liberty and deals with the “common good” liberty and deals with the “common good” as a mere by-product of the free choices as a mere by-product of the free choices individuals make. individuals make.

But, John Rawls (leading liberal theorist) But, John Rawls (leading liberal theorist) tempers his liberalism with a tempers his liberalism with a “thin” “thin” theory of the goodtheory of the good, a set of principles , a set of principles designed to guard against the erosion of designed to guard against the erosion of certain “pre-eminently desirable” values. certain “pre-eminently desirable” values.

This is what distinguishes liberalism from This is what distinguishes liberalism from libertarianism: the idea that a properly libertarianism: the idea that a properly ordered society (a just society) cannot be ordered society (a just society) cannot be understood solely in terms of process or understood solely in terms of process or procedure. Influence of communitarianism? procedure. Influence of communitarianism?

Liberalism requires an independent and Liberalism requires an independent and prior conception of prior conception of the rightthe right (principles (principles concerning what justice is), but this concerning what justice is), but this requirement does not preclude requirement does not preclude complementary conception of complementary conception of the goodthe good (principles concerning what justice (principles concerning what justice demands).demands).

However, public journalism does not offer However, public journalism does not offer even a “thin” theory of the good. Can its even a “thin” theory of the good. Can its constricted sense of fair-mindedness constricted sense of fair-mindedness promote social change?promote social change?

Isn’t is problematic that the press “doesn’t Isn’t is problematic that the press “doesn’t help make the rules” (i.e. define the help make the rules” (i.e. define the democratic process)? Is there just one way democratic process)? Is there just one way to organise a democracy? to organise a democracy?

Also, what should a newsroom do when Also, what should a newsroom do when communities act intolerantly? communities act intolerantly?

When Rosen call on the press to develop a When Rosen call on the press to develop a “vision of the community as a better place “vision of the community as a better place to live”, is it a vision of only better means to live”, is it a vision of only better means to unknown ends? Doesn’t public journalism to unknown ends? Doesn’t public journalism want to embrace any ends at all?want to embrace any ends at all?

Public journalism in disarray as a normative Public journalism in disarray as a normative theory – sheepish, equivocal, and theory – sheepish, equivocal, and inadequate claims about the authority of inadequate claims about the authority of the press to set a public agendathe press to set a public agenda

An agenda-setting role? Or a procedural An agenda-setting role? Or a procedural role only?role only?

Public journalism substitutes the community’s Public journalism substitutes the community’s judgement for the judgement of journalists: judgement for the judgement of journalists: – It confuses community values with good values as It confuses community values with good values as

though the former always implies the latter;though the former always implies the latter;– It calls on the press to relinquish its responsibility It calls on the press to relinquish its responsibility

to lead the community;to lead the community;– It downplays or disregards a powerful, although It downplays or disregards a powerful, although

complex, agenda-setting role played by the press;complex, agenda-setting role played by the press;– Deprives the press the opportunity to set forth Deprives the press the opportunity to set forth

clearly and convincingly, its politics – to defend its clearly and convincingly, its politics – to defend its values and how and where they coincide with, or values and how and where they coincide with, or depart from, what it understands to be the depart from, what it understands to be the expressed or implied values of the community. expressed or implied values of the community.

Need fully articulated newsroom agenda, Need fully articulated newsroom agenda, or journalists and the public are cheated or journalists and the public are cheated out of what they need most from the out of what they need most from the press: a candid account of why some press: a candid account of why some issues receive more attention than othersissues receive more attention than others

Without an intelligible and defensible Without an intelligible and defensible political agenda, journalism lacks meaning political agenda, journalism lacks meaning and order – it lacks coherenceand order – it lacks coherence

James Carey – “journalism can present a James Carey – “journalism can present a coherent narrative only if it is rooted in a coherent narrative only if it is rooted in a social and political ideology, an ideology social and political ideology, an ideology that gives consistent focus or narrative that gives consistent focus or narrative line to events, that provides the line to events, that provides the terminology for thick description and a terminology for thick description and a ready vocabulary of explanation.”ready vocabulary of explanation.”

What will convening the What will convening the community accomplish?community accomplish?

Since public journalism is preoccupied with Since public journalism is preoccupied with procedure, difficult for journalists to join forces procedure, difficult for journalists to join forces with any part of the community associated with any part of the community associated with political or “partisan” interests.with political or “partisan” interests.

Partners limited to “foundations, broadcasters, Partners limited to “foundations, broadcasters, universities, civic groups” and other politically universities, civic groups” and other politically benign organisations. (Excludes political benign organisations. (Excludes political parties, trades unions, professional parties, trades unions, professional associations, social movements, special associations, social movements, special interest groups.)interest groups.)

Fear of advocacy isolates public journalism Fear of advocacy isolates public journalism from the very centres of power that are likely from the very centres of power that are likely to make a difference.to make a difference.

Public journalism appeals to a republican Public journalism appeals to a republican ideal (“orienting people to common goods ideal (“orienting people to common goods beyond their private ends”) which locates beyond their private ends”) which locates politics in a common discussion open and politics in a common discussion open and accessible to all interested citizens… accessible to all interested citizens…

Attractive to people who prefer a diffusion of Attractive to people who prefer a diffusion of power consistent with a deliberative power consistent with a deliberative democracy. democracy.

But, on most issues in most communities a But, on most issues in most communities a very different kind of democracy prevails… very different kind of democracy prevails…

Power typically resides where resources, Power typically resides where resources, usually wealth, serve to obfuscate, even usually wealth, serve to obfuscate, even circumvent, public debate. circumvent, public debate.

Focus groups, town meetings, salons and Focus groups, town meetings, salons and other attempts to convene the community other attempts to convene the community might bring about only the illusion of might bring about only the illusion of reform. reform.

Worse, public journalism might become a Worse, public journalism might become a technique of co-optation or legitimation technique of co-optation or legitimation that creates a false sense of participatory that creates a false sense of participatory involvement without challenging involvement without challenging entrenched elite interests. entrenched elite interests.

A contrived and artificial response to the A contrived and artificial response to the need to cultivate citizenship? need to cultivate citizenship?

An ad hoc venue for discussion, a An ad hoc venue for discussion, a temporary site for a debate managed by temporary site for a debate managed by and too often only for the press? and too often only for the press?

What are these public debates intended to What are these public debates intended to accomplish anyway? Are they an end in accomplish anyway? Are they an end in themselves? Or what extrinsic value do themselves? Or what extrinsic value do they have? Prepare citizens for elections, they have? Prepare citizens for elections, maybe? But, democracy requires constant maybe? But, democracy requires constant and continuous renewal. and continuous renewal.

Citizens active in community affairs through Citizens active in community affairs through the associations and groups, which can the associations and groups, which can sustain democracy in 2 ways: sustain democracy in 2 ways: – Strengthen the affective ties among individuals Strengthen the affective ties among individuals

with shared interests, values, customs, and with shared interests, values, customs, and traditions – sense of belonging;traditions – sense of belonging;

– Enable individuals to position themselves Enable individuals to position themselves collectively – they can develop into the very collectively – they can develop into the very publics whose opinions matter more than the publics whose opinions matter more than the untested, often unfounded and private concerns untested, often unfounded and private concerns of individuals. of individuals.

Assumption of a single, over-arching public Assumption of a single, over-arching public sphere which stands open and accessible sphere which stands open and accessible to everyone ignores relations of to everyone ignores relations of dominance and subordination. dominance and subordination.

Nancy Fraser: “The goal of participatory Nancy Fraser: “The goal of participatory parity can be better achieved today parity can be better achieved today through a plurality of competing publics.”through a plurality of competing publics.”

A unitary general public sphere? (People A unitary general public sphere? (People reaching across their social and ideological reaching across their social and ideological differences to establish common agendas differences to establish common agendas and to debate rival approaches?)and to debate rival approaches?)

How about a “multiplicity of publics”, How about a “multiplicity of publics”, “sphericules”, “subaltern counter-publics” “sphericules”, “subaltern counter-publics” - invites participation through the - invites participation through the “development of distinct groups organised “development of distinct groups organised around affinity and interest”. (Curran’s around affinity and interest”. (Curran’s organised public sphere.)organised public sphere.)

Small and relatively homogenous groups Small and relatively homogenous groups (often the very groups public journalism is (often the very groups public journalism is disinclined to engage) enlarge the disinclined to engage) enlarge the opportunities for participation by setting opportunities for participation by setting aside a space for people whose identities aside a space for people whose identities and interests might have been ignored or and interests might have been ignored or slighted. slighted.

People have an opportunity to express People have an opportunity to express themselves on topics and in ways that themselves on topics and in ways that might not be welcome elsewhere (training might not be welcome elsewhere (training grounds for agitational activities directed grounds for agitational activities directed toward wider publics). toward wider publics).