Media's Role In Democracy

Instinctively, I would answer that mass media in democracy exists to inform the public and educate. Yet, I feel that in many ways I'm wrong. American mass media prides itself on it's "objective" reporting and profiling of world events. However, most news programs are filled with biased opinions and limited amounts of coverage. How often are we forced to turn to BBC online or on public broadcasting stations? Nightly news programs lack extensive international reporting. Unfortunately entertainment reigns supreme with broadcast programs and because of this, we're left watching stories that have been heavily sifted through.

The first amendment establishes the freedom of speech and a free press, yet a journalist or publication's reputation can be seriously damaged if they publish a story that defames the occupation in Iraq, they are met with scorn. Although the amendments were instated to create and uphold democracy, little by little, I think they are altered to diminish the democratic state.

What kind of information citizens "need" access to depends solely upon the person answering. I'm sure certain lobbyists and corporations would argue that the public does not "need" to know certain information regarding fast food and the effects it has on your health. At the same time, we have a right to this information. Who's to say we don't deserve to know? By withholding and controlling information, the government and corporations are seriously threatening democracy.

Perhaps it's the anarchist in me, but to me, an ideal society would allow its citizens to regulate the media. Almost immediately after typing this, I'm laughing at myself because I fear this would cause nothing but destruction of the press. After all, Wikipedia does pretty well, as do blogs, which is a form of citizen journalism. Why not? While blogs allow a broad range of topics covered, they often lack thorough fact checking and balanced opinions.