The Role of the Media in a Democratic Society

Different forms of mediaElectronic media Printed media

Television Newspapers

Internet Posters/Pamphlets

Radio Information brochures

Telecommunications Advertisement boards

What do the following concepts mean?1. Free Press:

A press that is not hindered in its ability to comment on political or social questions (except if it interferes with a person’s democratic rights.)

Def: Democratic societyA community which is ruled by representatives of the

nation. In a democratic society there is freedom of speech, freedom of the individual and freedom of the judiciary. Free and fair elections take place on a regular basis.

Def: Freedom of speechThe freedom to voice your opinion without fear of

intimidation – (however you may not infringe on others’ democratic rights in the process.)

Def: Mass MediaThe broadcasting of information to a large number of

people. This includes: the radio, newspapers, magazines, the internet and television.

“ A free society is one where it is safe to be unpopular” How can the media make themselves unpopular

with governments, both elected and unelected?

The media has the ability to influence popular opinions = openly criticise government = can influence election results.

In a country without democracy, a journalist who criticizes the govt, can be arrested, intimidated, assaulted and/or jailed.

Do you feel that any restrictions should be placed on the media?A lack of privacy is often the price one pays for being a

public figure.

The mainstream media usually stays away from pornographic material or material which will make the public unhappy.

In most demographic countries there are sensor boards but they seldom limit political commentary.

What is the “watch dog” role which is ascribed to the media?If no-one keeps watch, the government and politicians

could get away with anything. It is therefore the role of the media to be on the look out and to inform the public of anything of which they should be aware.

The fear of negative publicity is often a deterrent for public figures when they need to decide how to behave in various situations.

Do you think a journalist or a newspaper can ever be objective?Possibly not. A certain amount of subjectivity is

usually unavoidable.

However, reporting can be fair. Both sides of the story can be given and then it can be left to the reader to make up his/her own mind.

The omission of certain facts can also lead to prejudicial reporting.

The Role and Responsibility of the Media Opposing Viewpoints

The media no not promote democracy

The media: News is often more entertaining than informing (gossip, scandals, sex, violence.)

- Communicate, inform. educate Political news is often more about personalities than about their work and beliefs – media hunt for scandal in the private lives of politicians.

Identify problems in our country and communities

The lives of famous stars are made difficult by the paparazzi who invade their privacy.

Are a means of reflection The media sometimes exaggerate dangers and make people unnecessarily afraid.

Give political information that can influence voters

The media are like vultures when a famous person or politician falls from grace – persecute .

Act as watchdogs for exposing errors and unlawful activities

Entertain

Provide a platform for debate for a diversity of views, promote nation-building

More information about the functions and responsibilitiesFunctions include informing the public about:

What is happening around them so that they can make informed decisions and choices based on relevant and accurate information.

Rights issues and

Political issues and agendas, ensuring that various political viewpoints and policies are given.

The media are responsible for:Ensuring that there is a clear distinction between

fact and opinion.Protecting sources of information if and when

necessary.Being professional at all times, verifying facts and

information before printing or broadcasting them.Getting permission before printing or reporting on a

story and Giving the facts clearly and correctly.

The S.A. Constitution states the following in Section 16 (1):Everyone has the right to freedom of expression,

which includes:Freedom of the press and other mediaFreedom to receive or impart info or ideasFreedom of artistic creativityAcademic freedom and freedom of scientific research.Govt institutions e.g. Judicial Services Commission,

Independent Broadcasting Authority, the Public Protector and the Auditor-General further support freedom of expression.

Does the media reflect our society?

The media presents us with a picture of society that is meant to reflect what is “normal”. In fact, the media often don’t reflect what society is like at all. For example in South Africa:

Who is rejected/left out?Which groups of people are predominantly shown on television?Does the media reflect society? Why or why not?How women should lookThe way men should behaveWhat is importantWhat success meansWho commits crimeWhat Africa is likeWho are the experts/worthy of being quotedThe way gay people are viewed in societyThe way differently-abled people are viewed in society.

Promotion of Access to Information Act Aims:To ensure that the state takes part in promoting a

human rights culture and social justice.To encourage opennessTo create voluntary and compulsory ways that give the

right of access to information in a speedy, cheap and effortless way.

To promote transparency, accountability and effective governanceof all public a private companies.

Use your notes to evaluate the credibility of the media.

Some careers in the mediaAdvertising managerAttorneyEditorJournalistLibrarianMedia liaison officerPublicistRadio announcerTV producerWeb designer