Identify and describe the possible roles of the media in in ✓ Solved

Instructions: You are attending an international journalist event and have been chosen to give a presentation of the roles of the media in influencing government and its citizens. Identify and describe the possible roles of the media in influencing government and its citizens using specific descriptive examples. Please create a PowerPoint presentation to assist you in your presentation. As you complete your presentation, be sure to:

  • Identify and describe the four roles of the media in influencing government and its citizens.

  • Provide an example for each of the four roles.

  • Use speaker's notes to expand upon the bullet point main ideas on your slides, making references to research and theory with citation.

  • Proof your work.

  • Use visuals (pictures, video, narration, graphs, etc.) to compliment the text in your presentation and to reinforce your content.

Do not just write a paper and copy chunks of it into each slide. Treat this as if you were going to give this presentation live.

Paper For Above Instructions

The media has always played a pivotal role in democratic societies, serving as a watchdog, agenda-setter, platform for public discourse, and a source of information for citizens and their governments. Understanding the four essential roles of the media is necessary for comprehending how it influences government policies and citizen behavior.

1. The Watchdog Role

The watchdog role of the media is perhaps one of its most critical functions. In this capacity, the media serves to monitor the activities of government agencies and officials, ensuring accountability and transparency. For example, investigative journalism has uncovered numerous scandals, such as the Watergate affair in the 1970s, leading to significant political consequences, including the resignation of President Richard Nixon. Such examples illustrate the media's power to influence government actions by bringing unethical behavior to light (Kovach & Rosenstiel, 2014).

2. The Agenda-Setting Role

The media also performs an agenda-setting role by determining which issues are deemed important and worthy of public attention. By selecting certain topics to highlight, the media shapes the public discourse and influences what citizens believe to be the priorities of their government (McCombs & Shaw, 1972). For instance, the extensive coverage of climate change in recent years has prompted governments around the world to incorporate environmental policies into their agendas, demonstrating the media's capacity to drive political action (Boykoff, 2011).

3. The Platform for Public Discourse

The media functions as a platform for public discourse, allowing citizens to express their views and engage in political dialogue. This role fosters a participatory democracy, where individuals can debate issues and mobilize for causes. Social media platforms, in particular, have opened new avenues for political expression and activism. For example, movements like #BlackLivesMatter have gained traction through social media, influencing public opinion and prompting governmental responses to social justice issues (Tufekci, 2017).

4. The Source of Information

Lastly, the media serves as a critical source of information for citizens, aiding them in making informed decisions about government policies and elections. By providing analysis, news coverage, and educational content, the media informs the public about their rights and responsibilities. For instance, political fact-checking organizations have seen increased influence in recent years, helping citizens discern truth from misinformation in the age of social media (Lewandowsky et al., 2017). This role not only shapes electorate behavior but also holds government accountable through informed citizenry.

Conclusion

In summary, the media significantly influences government dynamics and citizen engagement through its various roles. By acting as a watchdog, setting the public agenda, providing a platform for discourse, and serving as an information source, the media shapes political realities and empowers citizens. Understanding these roles is crucial for anyone engaged in journalism or media studies, as they are fundamental to the health of any democratic society.

References

  • Boykoff, M. T. (2011). Who speaks for the climate? Making sense of media reporting on climate change. Cambridge University Press.

  • Kovach, B., & Rosenstiel, T. (2014). The elements of journalism: What newspeople should know and the public should expect. Crown Publishing Group.

  • Lewandowsky, S., Ecker, U. K., & Cook, J. (2017). Beyond Misinformation: Understanding and Coping with the “Post-Truth” Era. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 19(3), 285-307.

  • McCombs, M., & Shaw, D. L. (1972). The agenda-setting function of mass media. Public Opinion Quarterly, 36(2), 176-187.

  • Tufekci, Z. (2017). Twitter and Tear Gas: The Power and Fragility of Networked Protest. Yale University Press.

  • Couldry, N., & Hepp, A. (2016). The Mediated Construction of Reality. Palgrave Macmillan.

  • Entman, R. M. (2004). Projections of power: Framing news, public opinion, and U.S. foreign policy. University of Chicago Press.

  • Waisbord, S. R. (2013). Watchdog journalism in South America: The role of the media in communication and democracy. Routledge.

  • McNair, B. (2017). News and Journalism: A Handbook. Routledge.

  • Williams, J. T., & Delli Carpini, M. X. (2011). After broadcasting: Internet, democracy and the new media environment. New York: Routledge.