What is the function of Media and Journalism?

To Consider “Nothing could be more irrational than to give the people power and to withhold from them information, without which power is abused. A people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives. A popular government without popular information or the means of acquiring it is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy, or perhaps both.” - James Madison “Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I would not hesitate for a moment to prefer the latter.” -Thomas Jefferson

What is media? How do you receive information about the world around you? What are the different mediums that you use for information? What is mass media? What is journalism?

Media Media: the different mediums for channeling and storing information and data. Mass Media: means of communication meant to reach a large population through various mediums. Journalism: is the practice of investigating and reporting events, issues and trends to mass audiences through print, broadcast and online media (University of North Carolina).

Journalism: Reflection Society of Professional Journalists- Members of the Society of Professional Journalists believe that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. The duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. Conscientious journalists from all media and specialties strive to serve the public with thoroughness and honesty. Professional integrity is the cornerstone of a journalist's credibility. Members of the Society share a dedication to ethical behavior and adopt this code to declare the Society's principles and standards of practice.

Media in Democracy What is the role of media and journalism in particular in our democracy? What is media and journalism’s socio- political role/function?

Media in Democracy Entertainment (social) Citizens need to make reasonable, responsible, informed decisions rather than acting out of ignorance. Medium for deliberation (discourse). Identify social, economic, and political platforms that are most relevant. Serves as a “checking function” on those who represent them. Hold officials accountable. Serves as way for our government to communicate with us.

Information as a Right! According to the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, “Everyone has the right to freedom or opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.”