Mass Media and a Pluralistic and Democratic Society

Hegemony – leadership, control by a group In a hegemonic culture, the media is controlled by those with vested interest, i.e. groups enjoying benefits from an existing economic or political privilege in order to transmit ideologies that reinforce their power. The media serves as a tool to preserve the existing and strengthen new hegemony.

Different types of hegemony 1. capitalist 2. cultural 3. patriarchal Is mass media in China controlled by any hegemony?

What happened to this journalist? Hong Kong-based journalist Ching Cheong Chief China correspondent for Singapore’s Strait Times Five years of jail on charges of spying for Taiwan Spy for Taiwan?

Political cartoon Kuang Biao, Guanzhou-based political cartoonist Suspended from his job for drawing a weeping President Hu Jintao

How free is China? Do China have editorial Independence and transparency of the government despite of its rapid economic development?

Prison History High rate of journalists arrests in China compared to the rest of the world Kills creativity and hinders development of democracy in China

Further cases Block websites that criticize Communist party or leaders Ban foreign-made cartoons between 5pm to 8 pm. Limits imposed on foreign films

Consequences of heavy government interference The media become government mouthpieces, praising the achievements of Communist leaders while ignoring issues that may portray a negative image of the country

Why is a pluralistic media so important?

Pluralism – opposite of hegemony No society is homogenous, in other words, it is diversified by nature. Different voices co-exist in a liberal society. It consists of many groups and organizations, such as blue-collar workers, religious parties, conservationists, democrats, and business etc, each with its own views, interests and needs. They all need a way to express themselves. The media serves as a channel.

Pluralistic mass media culture Content Ownership Types Views and ideologies  How can media help a society to become more pluralistic and democratic?  How do mass media protect the values and way of life of minorities?

Advantages of a pluralistic mass media A pluralistic environment allows for discussion and promotes the search for consensus. It permits free flow of thoughts and expressions without constraints. Truth is found in the process of challenge, interaction and communication.

Disadvantages of a pluralistic mass media Freedom of speech provides an opportunity for flawed ideas to spread, confusing the public. Can you give any examples how do mass media abuse the freedom of speech?

Limits to pluralism Is it necessarily bad? What’s the challenge? (Do we glorify the Japanese invasion of China? Do we praise Nazis for killing the Jews?)

What is democracy? literally it means ‘rule by the people’. Government upholds rule of law and separation of powers. Democracy means freedom for ALL citizens to make their own choices but not at the expense of others. The freedom of speech, assembly, religion and property and to participate in national affairs regardless of classes, education and experience.

Freedom of speech is the fundamental to a democratic society

The media provides significant platform for free speech and it fulfills a number of functions: The media reports and comments on government policies, official news and current affairs in society, and monitors the government Through reporting by different media, the public gathers and compares information from different sources for a more accurate picture of an event.

The media, with its pluralistic stances, provides different references and informs the public on various matters. The media monitors one another by which public interest is promoted.

Public interest VS private interest How to balance public interest and freedom of speech? It refers to the "common well-being" or "general welfare"

Issue on infringement of privacy Case 1: October and November 2002 Eastweek, under the Emperor Group, publishes a photograph of a naked and distressed movie star Carina Lau Ka-ling, believed to have taken 12 years before when she was allergedly kidnapped.

Issue on infringement of privacy Case 2: March 2006 Oriental Sunday runs on its cover phhotos of model Galie Lai Kei-yi performing what papears to be a sex act on her boyfriend – Canto-pop superstar Leon Lai Ming in his home.