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

Name

Chamberlain University

POLI-330: Political Science

Prof. Name

Date

The Roles of the Media in Influencing Government and Its Citizens

Characteristics of the Media

The media enables widespread communication through various channels, including television, radio, social media, and print.
It is typically owned by government entities or for-profit organizations, both of which can shape its role in society.
The media exerts influence on both the government and the public by shaping perceptions and providing information.
Key characteristics include public broadcasting, adherence to the fairness doctrine, low-power broadcasting, and frequency allocation regulations.

Expectations from the Media

The media is expected to provide comprehensive knowledge about government decision-making processes.
Journalists and media professionals attend parliamentary sessions, ask critical questions, and engage in debates about parliamentary decisions.
The media plays a crucial role in defending and scrutinizing the positions of parliamentary decision-makers, holding them accountable to the public.

Education Role of the Media

The media fosters the creation and development of an educated citizenry by providing reliable information.
It offers independent news and insights regarding the operations and functions of the government.
Furthermore, the media serves as an educational tool, teaching citizens about governmental structures, functions, and responsibilities.

Media, Citizens, and the Government

The Media as a Watchdog

The media functions as a government watchdog, monitoring and reporting on its activities to ensure transparency (Whitman Cobb, 2020).
It highlights harmful actions taken by the government, allowing citizens to react and voice their concerns.
Through investigative journalism, the media exposes corruption and unethical behaviors, making it more effective than individual efforts.

Media as the Fourth Arm of Government

The media is often referred to as the “fourth arm” of government due to its critical role in shaping public opinion, overseeing governmental activities, and promoting democratic values.

Socialization Role of the Media

The media helps communicate societal beliefs, values, and ideals, promoting cohesion among different communities.
It encompasses a broad range of platforms, including websites, news channels, newspapers, magazines, and books.
The media contributes to reconciliation and social unity by bringing communities closer together.

Media and Democracy

The media plays a fundamental role in promoting democracy by informing the public about their civic duties and rights.
It educates voters on the significance of participating in elections and supports the democratic process by providing balanced information on political candidates.
By fostering democratic ideas, attitudes, and values, the media stands as a vital advocate for justice and freedom in society.

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.

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

Whitman Cobb, W. N. (2020). Political science today (1st ed.). Washington, DC: Sage, CQ Press.