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Peffley, PS 475, Politics and Mass Media I.
Introduction A.
What is the (proper & actual) role of the media in
a modern democracy? B.
How could the news media let this happen? “Misperceptions,
the Media, and Iraq War” II.
Two clashing theories of democracy and the role of the
media in a democracy A.
Classical Model of Representative Democratic Theory (J. S. Mill, John
Locke, Jefferson, Dewey). Fundamental principles: 1.
Popular Sovereignty: a)
Govt policies reflect
what people want b)
People participate in the political process c)
High-quality information and debate are available d)
Majority rules 2.
Political Equality 3.
Political 4.
Delegate role of representatives 5.
Mass sophistication 6.
Role of journalists 7.
Political values promoted B.
Democratic Elitism (Walter Lippmann, Plato). 1.
Polity is too big, problems too complex, dangers of
mass communications, masses are asses. 2.
Role of journalists a)
Rule by expert elite of government and journalists. b)
Journalists as leaders rather than followers of public
opinion. 3.
Low mass sophistication 4.
Trustee role for representatives 5.
Political values promoted III.
Ideal roles of media in democracy: the media as the
"marketplace of ideas" and journalistic dilemmas (see Robert Entman, Democracy Without Citizens) A.
Ideal roles 1.
Mirror reality: 2.
Accountability or watchdog journalism 3.
Marketplace of ideas 4.
Public journalism (considered later) 5.
Journalistic dilemma B.
Economic and political constraints on the media 1.
Economic: a)
Accountability journalism is problematic b)
Mirror journalism is unrealistic c)
Increasing competition in news industry d)
Marketplace of ideas is contradicted by concentration
of media ownership, globalization and domination by major multi-national
corporations? 2.
Political a)
Heavy reliance on "official" government
sources b)
Symbiotic exchange with political elites |