The role of media in a democratic society: electronic and print media

The role of media in a democratic society: electronic and print media Pg 121 - 134

2.1. Role of the media in a democracy

Forms of MEDIA -- ELECTRONIC MEDIA • Television • Radio • Film & DVD’s • Internet • E-mails • Websites • Blogs • Facebook & Twitter • Newspapers • Films • Magazines = Any media that needs electricity or batteries

Forms of MEDIA -- PRINT MEDIA • Books • Newspapers • Magazines • Brochures • Pamphlets • Posters • Billboards = any media form that is printed

Social media = websites and various software programmes* you are able to interact instantly with other users* you are able to write comments, add information, join groups and share information or visual media with other users* give examples of the above ………..

MEDIA influences • The way we THINK • How we FEEL about current events…. • ..culture • ..politics • ..gender • ..lifestyle • ..possessions • ..sport • ..almost everything • Shapes people’s understanding and • Interpretation of information and events

What is the role of media? The role of media is to inform society about daily events that can be deemed as newsworthy

In a DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY, the ROLE OF MEDIA is …. = to empower citizens with information regarding their rights • To give citizens access to information so that they can know their rights • To provide citizens with enough information to know how and why they should participate in decision making and hold the powers that be accountable • To provide opportunities for the exchange of knowledge and ideas

In a DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY, the ROLE OF MEDIA is …. • expose human rights violations • communicate, inform, educate & entertain • expose corruption and mismanagement • report unlawful activities & court cases • promote debate & discussion • promote nation-building • shape public opinion

2.2. Freedom of expression and limitations Keywords: • Freedom of expression – you can say what you feel freely; give information and viewpoints • Limitations – boundaries, restrictions, limits • Whistle-blower – a person who reports illegal or immoral activities

FREEDOM of EXPRESSION and LIMITATIONS Media can make or break a reputation and must therefore: Sometimes media does not fulfil a responsible role, eg. Satisfying the interests of the advertiser vs the interest of the public Gossip, scandals, reported on in an entertaining way Paparazzi invading privacy of celebrities Information is sometimes biased and incorrect • Give enough information to explain what is happening • Issues must be explained in a non-biased way • Headlines should not be untrue, scandalous or sensationalised • State the facts • Give political parties equal coverage • Sources must be checked before reported on

According to the bill of rights we as SA citizens have freedom of expression which includes : Freedom of the press and other media Freedom to receive or impart information or ideas Freedom of artistic creativity Academic freedom and freedom of scientific research FREEDOM of EXPRESSION

But it does not extend to : Propaganda for war Incitement of imminent violence Advocacy of hatred based on race, ethnicity, gender or religion Incitement to cause harm PRESS FREEDOM & CONSTITUTIONAL LIMITATIONS

Also everyone has the right of access to : Any information held by the state Any information by another person that has to do with protection of any rights PRESS FREEDOM….

THE PROTECTION OF STATE INFORMATION BILL • More commonly known as the Secrecy Bill • The Bill proposes long sentences for journalists/whistle-blowers/anyone who makes state secrets public • However no clarity exists around what is considered “state secrets”

Task • What is a possible negative impact of this Bill? • Decide which of the following should be freely communicated in the media: • Cartoons that are offensive to particular religions • Racists tweets • Tender irregularities involving a minister and a close family member

2.3. Extent to which media reporting reflects a democratic society

The following criteria can be used to determine whether the media’s reporting reflects a democratic society: • Topics covered: which topics are commonly covered by the media? What does this say about the media? • Editorial position: What is the viewpoint of the editor? Is the editor biased for or against a topic or group of people? • Space allocated to topics: Which topics are featured heavily and which are featured a little? • Geographical distribution: Is the information available to many groups or people or only to a certain few?

2.4. Critical analysis of media and campaigns • …media: • Important to critically analyse the media • Must evaluate their balance and fairness • Pay attention to: selection of content; sources used; level of commercial content; sensationalism/use of shocking details; exaggeration and accuracy • If a news report only shows one side of a story, it is NOT FAIR REPORTING

2.4. Critical analysis of media and campaigns …. • …… campaigns: • Campaigns are movements, drives or crusades that push, fight or advocate for an issue • Some campaigns are useful, necessary and contribute to a democratic society, e.g. Mandela Day Campaign

2.5. Coverage of sport, sport personalities and recreation activities • Coverage of sport, sport personalities and recreation activities vary in the media • Media covers mostly the big five sports – men’s soccer, rugby, cricket, golf and motor racing • Which sports/recreation activities are under-reported? • Sportsmen dominate the coverage over sportswomen • The more famous a sport star is the more media exposure he/she gets

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The role of media in a democratic society: electronic and print media