POLI 330N Week 2 Assignment: The Role of Media in Influencing Government and the Public

Student Name

Chamberlain University

POLI-330: Political Science

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Date

The Roles of the Media in Influencing Government and Its Citizens

Characteristics of the Media

The media serves as a powerful tool for communication, utilizing various channels such as television, radio, social media, and print to disseminate information. Ownership of media outlets often lies with government entities or for-profit organizations, influencing its role and societal impact. The media plays a pivotal role in shaping public perception and influencing government actions. Key characteristics of the media include public broadcasting, adherence to the fairness doctrine, low-power broadcasting, and compliance with frequency allocation regulations, all of which contribute to its capacity to inform and engage society.

Expectations from the Media

The media is expected to provide accurate and comprehensive information about government processes and decision-making. Journalists actively participate in parliamentary sessions, pose critical questions, and engage in debates concerning government policies and decisions. By scrutinizing the actions of parliamentary decision-makers, the media ensures accountability, acting as an intermediary between the government and the public. This role is critical for fostering transparency and maintaining democratic values within society.

Education Role of the Media

A significant function of the media is to cultivate an informed citizenry by offering reliable information. Through independent reporting, the media educates the public on governmental operations, structures, and responsibilities. It also serves as an educational platform, empowering citizens with knowledge about their civic duties, the roles of government institutions, and the importance of active participation in governance.

Media, Citizens, and the Government

The Media as a Watchdog

The media fulfills its watchdog role by closely monitoring government activities to ensure transparency and accountability (Whitman Cobb, 2020). It exposes harmful government actions, prompting citizens to voice their concerns and advocate for change. Investigative journalism, in particular, is instrumental in uncovering corruption and unethical practices, proving to be more effective in holding the government accountable than individual efforts.

Media as the Fourth Arm of Government

Often regarded as the “fourth arm” of government, the media plays a critical role in shaping public opinion, overseeing governmental operations, and promoting democratic ideals. By influencing the political landscape and providing a platform for public discourse, the media strengthens democratic processes and societal trust in governance.

Socialization Role of the Media

The media contributes to social cohesion by conveying societal beliefs, values, and ideals through diverse platforms such as news websites, newspapers, and magazines. It fosters reconciliation and unity among communities by promoting shared understanding and communication. This socialization function is vital in building bridges between different cultural and social groups, encouraging harmony within society.

Media and Democracy

Media’s Role in Promoting Democracy

The media is indispensable in supporting democracy by educating citizens about their civic responsibilities and rights. It informs voters about the significance of elections, provides balanced coverage of political candidates, and fosters democratic ideals such as justice and freedom. By empowering citizens with knowledge, the media upholds its role as a vital advocate for democratic governance and societal progress.

Table: Media’s Role in Governance and Society

Heading	Description	Examples
Characteristics of Media	Communication through various platforms; government or private ownership; regulations like the fairness doctrine and frequency allocation.	Public broadcasting, low-power radio stations.
Media’s Role in Accountability	Acts as a watchdog by exposing corruption, unethical behaviors, and harmful policies. Holds government accountable through investigative journalism.	Uncovering scandals, highlighting policy failures.
Media and Social Cohesion	Promotes societal values, beliefs, and unity. Contributes to reconciliation and educates citizens on democracy and governance structures.	Campaigns for elections, reporting community achievements, fostering dialogue.

References

Curran, J. (2014). Reinterpreting the democratic roles of the media. Brazilian Journalism Research, 10(2), 28–53.

Husin, M. M., Ismail, N., & Ab Rahman, A. (2016). The roles of mass media, word of mouth, and subjective norm in family takaful purchase intention. Journal of Islamic Marketing.

Song, C., & Lee, J. (2016). Citizens’ use of social media in government, perceived transparency, and trust in government. Public Performance & Management Review, 39(2), 430–453.