150 likes | 260 Views
Journalism & Democracy. Are We Keeping the Promise?. Journalism & Democracy. The First Amendment Guarantees a Free Press Two views: 1) It is a restriction on government 2) It implies a journalistic responsibility. Journalism & Democracy. 1 st Amendment:
E N D
Journalism & Democracy Are We Keeping the Promise?
Journalism & Democracy • The First Amendment • Guarantees a Free Press • Two views: • 1) It is a restriction on government • 2) It implies a journalistic responsibility
Journalism & Democracy • 1st Amendment: • Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Journalism & Democracy • Questions: • Does the media have a social responsibility to inform the public so it can make political choices? • Does all media have a responsibility to present the facts and sort through the rhetoric?
Journalism & Democracy • Pew Study (2004) • 50% of people under the age of 50 get most or some of their news about politics from late night comedians • Most of those people are significantly less informed about the basic facts of political candidates
Journalism & Democracy • What is politically relevant information (ethically correct information)?
Journalism & Democracy • Is it useful? • Does it provide information that helps the individual and collective decision making?
Journalism & Democracy • Is the information sufficient? • Is there enough of it and at enough depth to allow people to make informed choices?
Journalism & Democracy • Is the information trustworthy? • Can you feel comfortable that the information is true?
Journalism & Democracy • Jon Stewart vs. Glenn Beck • http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-september-28-2009/america--target-america
Journalism & Democracy • Evaluating the discourse: • 1) Transparency: Does the audience accurately know who is speaking?
Journalism & Democracy • Evaluating the discourse: • 1) Transparency: Does the audience accurately know who is speaking? • 2) Pluralism: Does the media environment provide an opportunity for diverse points of view – either in different messages equally accessible or within a single message?
Journalism & Democracy • Evaluating the discourse: • 3) Verisimilitude – Do the sources of the messages take responsibility for the truth claims they make? • 4) Practice – Does the message encourage political participation by citizens?
Journalism & Democracy • Glenn Beck –