1. The role of MEDIA in a DEMOCRACY

2. 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

3. Types of MEDIA Newspapers Television
PRINT
ELECTRONIC
Newspapers
Television
Printed advertising (Billboards, flyers, brochures, posters etc.)
Internet ( , 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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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