The role of MEDIA in a DEMOCRACY

What is MEDIA? Media is effectively anything used to store or transmit information or ideas Media can also be defined as the main means of mass communication (television, radio, and newspapers etc.) regarded collectively. Greek Origins Other political systems Advanced democracy eg USA Democratic systems – Political parties, levels of government – various functions Constitutional Democracy Rights relating to freedom of press

Types of MEDIA Newspapers Television PRINT ELECTRONIC Newspapers Television Printed advertising (Billboards, flyers, brochures, posters etc.) Internet (Email, blogs, social networking sites etc.) Books Film Magazines Radio Greek Origins Other political systems Advanced democracy eg USA Democratic systems – Political parties, levels of government – various functions Constitutional Democracy Rights relating to freedom of press

Effect of MEDIA Media undoubtedly influences people’s THOUGHTS, FEELINGS and IDEAS Media not only conveys information but also shapes our understanding and interpretation of the information we receive Greek Origins Other political systems Advanced democracy eg USA Democratic systems – Political parties, levels of government – various functions Constitutional Democracy Rights relating to freedom of press The media has proven to be a particularly powerful influence over people’s thoughts about crucial ideas such as politics, religion, gender, race, self-image, normality and sexuality.

What is a DEMOCRACY? The prefix demos means PEOPLE. Democracy can be defined as a political system where the PEOPLE have power to elect leaders that will represent them and their beliefs, in the making of political decisions. Greek Origins Other political systems Advanced democracy eg USA Democratic systems – Political parties, levels of government – various functions Constitutional Democracy Rights relating to freedom of press

Origins & development of democracy Greek Origins Other political systems Advanced democracy eg USA Democratic systems – Political parties, levels of government – various functions Constitutional Democracy Rights relating to freedom of press

Origins & development of democracy The first known democracy was in Greece Here the elders of the city would gather at the Acropolis to vote on important matters Democracy has evolved since then and it now takes on different forms in different countries South Africa is a relatively young democracy whereas the USA’s democracy, for example is much older. Greek Origins Other political systems Advanced democracy eg USA Democratic systems – Political parties, levels of government – various functions Constitutional Democracy Rights relating to freedom of press

SOUTH AFRICA’S democracy FIRST DEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS in 1994 All citizens over 18 could vote for the first time (Even prisoners) The CONSTITUTION is the foundation of South Africa’s democracy. The CONSTITUTION outlines how South Africa’s democracy must operate: it confirms the rights of groups and individuals (including the right to vote), how government is structured, how parliament and various levels of government must operate and even describes the role of the president. Greek Origins Other political systems Advanced democracy eg USA Democratic systems – Political parties, levels of government – various functions Constitutional Democracy Rights relating to freedom of press

DEMOCRATIC principles TRANSPARENCY ACCOUNTABILITY FREEDOM OF SPEECH SEPARATION OF POWERS REPRESENTATION Greek Origins Other political systems Advanced democracy eg USA Democratic systems – Political parties, levels of government – various functions Constitutional Democracy Rights relating to freedom of press

Question: In your opinion, What role(s) should the media fill, in a democratic society such as South Africa? Greek Origins Other political systems Advanced democracy eg USA Democratic systems – Political parties, levels of government – various functions Constitutional Democracy Rights relating to freedom of press