Download presentation
Presentation is loading. Please wait.
Published byLeslie Bridges Modified over 9 years ago
1
Media and government A.k.a. media versus government: Notes on an adversarial (or not) relationship
2
www.newstrust.net
3
Adversaries or friends? John Peter Zenger trial (1735) ended prosecutions for seditious libel Criticism of government is a key role for the press
4
The debate Merrill says media and government should not be adversaries. Dennis says they should. But do they really disagree?
5
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
6
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
7
Post-9/11 considerations Country was afraid, and media took a more patriotic tone
8
Post-9/11 considerations Country was afraid, and media took a more patriotic tone Support for war in Afghanistan was strong
9
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
10
The so-called fourth estate Can the media really function as a pseudo-branch of government?
11
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
12
Anonymous sources William Safire says it’s how the media overcome the government’s vast powers
13
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?
14
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?
15
Media and elections Horse-race coverage demonstrates the limits of objectivity
16
Media and elections Horse-race coverage demonstrates the limits of objectivity Polls, fundraising numbers
17
Media and elections Horse-race coverage demonstrates the limits of objectivity Polls, fundraising numbers Civic or public journalism sought another way
18
Media democracy Dennis focuses on internal workings –Ombudsmen –Transparency –Leadership
19
Media democracy Dennis focuses on internal workings Real democratic movement is outside and online –Media blogs –Independents like Josh Marshall –Political activist sites
20
The right to know Do Merrill and Dennis disagree?
21
The right to know Do Merrill and Dennis disagree? Freedom of information laws, a.k.a. “sunshine laws”
22
The right to know Do Merrill and Dennis disagree? Freedom of information laws, a.k.a. “sunshine laws” No special privileges for media
23
Civic (public) journalism Media involvement in community –Issue-oriented election coverage –Public meetings to discuss coverage, priorities –Reporting on issues important to public
24
Civic (public) journalism Media involvement in community Criticized for moving away from objectivity and adversarial role
25
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
Similar presentations
© 2025 SlidePlayer.com. Inc.
All rights reserved.