Media and government A.k.a. media versus government: Notes on an adversarial (or not) relationship

Adversaries or friends? John Peter Zenger trial (1735) ended prosecutions for seditious libel Criticism of government is a key role for the press

The debate Merrill says media and government should not be adversaries. Dennis says they should. But do they really disagree?

The debate Merrill says media and government should not be adversaries. Dennis says they should. But do they really disagree? They both say they should be adversaries when warranted, but should not be permanent enemies

The debate Merrill says media and government should not be adversaries. Dennis says they should. But do they really disagree? They both say they should be adversaries when warranted, but should not be permanent enemies First Amendment = no obligation

Post-9/11 considerations Country was afraid, and media took a more patriotic tone

Post-9/11 considerations Country was afraid, and media took a more patriotic tone Support for war in Afghanistan was strong

Post-9/11 considerations Country was afraid, and media took a more patriotic tone Support for war in Afghanistan was strong Support for war in Iraq was more controversial

The so-called fourth estate Can the media really function as a pseudo-branch of government?

The so-called fourth estate Can the media really function as a pseudo-branch of government? Seymour Hersh says political opposition is the key to media opposition

Anonymous sources William Safire says it’s how the media overcome the government’s vast powers

Anonymous sources William Safire says it’s how the media overcome the government’s vast powers Do journalists have the right to protect their sources?

Anonymous sources William Safire says it’s how the media overcome the government’s vast powers Do journalists have the right to protect their sources? Should they?

Media and elections Horse-race coverage demonstrates the limits of objectivity

Media and elections Horse-race coverage demonstrates the limits of objectivity Polls, fundraising numbers

Media and elections Horse-race coverage demonstrates the limits of objectivity Polls, fundraising numbers Civic or public journalism sought another way

Media democracy Dennis focuses on internal workings –Ombudsmen –Transparency –Leadership

Media democracy Dennis focuses on internal workings Real democratic movement is outside and online –Media blogs –Independents like Josh Marshall –Political activist sites

The right to know Do Merrill and Dennis disagree?

The right to know Do Merrill and Dennis disagree? Freedom of information laws, a.k.a. “sunshine laws”

The right to know Do Merrill and Dennis disagree? Freedom of information laws, a.k.a. “sunshine laws” No special privileges for media

Civic (public) journalism Media involvement in community –Issue-oriented election coverage –Public meetings to discuss coverage, priorities –Reporting on issues important to public

Civic (public) journalism Media involvement in community Criticized for moving away from objectivity and adversarial role

Civic (public) journalism Media involvement in community Criticized for moving away from objectivity and adversarial role Jay Rosen has moved on –PressThink.orgPressThink.org –NewAssignment.NetNewAssignment.Net