Essay: Critically explain the relationship between commercial news media and political power in liberal democracies.
Contemporary Perspectives In Journalism
ID:
In liberal democracies, a former governance valuing individual rights and representatives and the relationship between commercial news media and political part is important. In the context of News media and it is important to shape public understanding and influencing democratic processes (Fletcher et al., 2019). The aim of this essay is to unravel the intricate connection between the commercial news media and the political power in the liberal democracies as the liberal democracy thrive on informed citizenry, and the media often regarded as the 4th state, acting as a crucial informant and watchdog (Kostopoulos, 2020). The subsequent sections will explore how the commercialization of news media, political influence and agenda settings impact the delicate balance that is required to thrive in liberal democracies (McChesney, 2001). With relevant explanation and examples of case studies, this essay will be able to discuss the complex inherence in the relationship, while it also seeks to shed light on multifaceted nature of media and political power in such democracies.
In the context of the liberal democracies, the commercial news media assumes as an important part of the 4th estate that contributes significantly to the functioning of Democratic institution. The concept of fourth state encapsulates the media’s Quashy institutional status that acts as a cheque and balance tool along with three traditional branches of government. Serving as a conduct of information dissemination (Lorenz-Spreen et al., 2022). The media bears the responsibility to keep the public well informed and its role in this informational bridge is to create a strong foundation of the domain domestic process and enabling citizens to make informed decision. Furthermore, the media functions as a watchdog holding political power accountable for its action while the watchdog function is an integral part to ensure transparency, integrity and ethical conduct within the political sphere (Mach et al., 2021). By scrutinizing the government activities and providing a platform for public discourse, the media act as a safeguard against potential abuse of power (Moynihan et al., 2002).
The commercialization of news media in liberal democracies is another important aspect that needs to be discussed to highlight its complex interplay between corporate interests, editorial decisions and the potential compromises of journalistic integrity (Herman et al., 1997). The corporate ownership significantly impacts editorial decisions within news media and an example of such case is the influence of media conglomerates. Moreover, media conglomerates like Rupert Murdoch’s news corporation wailed substantial influence, sapping narratives to align with their interests (Nyberg, 2021). For example, Rupert Muddroch News Corporation is a global media giant that has faced scrutiny for its role in shaping news narratives to align with its interests. On the other hand, the aspects related to media ownership can be explained with the example of consolidated outlets under few major corporations that are capable of limiting diverse perspective (Park et al., 2020). Another aspect of commercialization involves influence of advertisers on media content as advertising revenue plays a significant role in sustaining news organizations. However, the financial dependency can lead to compromise journalistic integrity and it illustrates through an example of declined critical coverage of certain industries to maintain advertising partnership (Rahman, 2020). There are certain examples of the commercialization of news media, which can be highlighted through the instances of media outlet depending on the pharmaceutical advertisements and downplaying critical health issues related to specific medications (Seddone, 2020). Such aspects clearly highlight the challenges arising for the corporate ownership and advertising in Media that are also rising concerns about the media’s ability to serve as an unbiased and objective source of information in liberal democracies (Street, 2021or 2011).
While discussing about the political power and its influence over the news media, Stafford, (2013) argued to discuss the government control and censorship that have historically been a major tool for to manipulate narratives and control public perceptions. One of the major examples of such concept is the Soviet Union’s censorship of media during the Cold War that suppress the dissenting voices and limiting access to alternative information. Apart from this, the modern instances where democracy country like China has strict control over its media landscape and in the internet, highlighting the ongoing concern about state interference in shaping public discourse. Stier et al., (2020) also argued that some level of government control may be necessary for national security or to prevent the spread of misinformation. For example, during times of war or conflict, governments may be imposing restrictions on media reporting to safeguard sensitive information, which eventually will strike balance between protecting national interest and preserving press freedom though not without challenges (Ward, 2014). So, and Kim, (2022) highlighted another important fact in this regard of politicians being associated with media outlets to influence public opinions. Press manipulation and strategic leaks are common tactics employed to shape narratives in favor of those in power and a clear example of such aspect is the water gets scandal, where the Nixon administration attempted to manipulate media coverage to downplay its involvement. Fletcher et al., (2019), on the contrary, have presented the counter argument suggesting that politicians engage with the media to necessities the democratic activities, which also allow them to communicate policies and engage with the public (Seddone, 2020). Most importantly, selective access to information is another tool used by politicians to control the narratives and by providing exclusive access to preferred media outlets politicians can shape how their messages are being framed (Rahman, 2020). This could be taken as a rising concern about the potential for bias reporting and the exclusion of diverse perspective.
Nyberg, (2021), observed that media plays a pivotal role in shaping public perception through the framing of political narratives and the way a story is presented can influence how audiences interpret events. For example, during political campaigns, media outlets may employ framing technique that emphasize certain aspects of a candidate’s character or policies this significantly influence public’s perception towards that political power or institution. On the other hand, Moynihan et al., (2002) found the framing of economic policies such as tax reforms was highlighted, showcasing how media can influence the perspective and its impact over political decisions in their life. On the other hand, the concept of agenda setting refers to the aspects that determines which issue receive attention and which will be suppressed using powerful tool in shaping public discourse (Stafford, 2013). A clear example of such statement can be backed up with the fact of guiding public attention during elections that concentrates on specific issues that a political power intends to highlight. Such agenda works as an effective influence towards making take political decisions based on what is going on around them but not what is not being shown to them.
It Is also another important area to be discovered, that how the traditional news media and commercial news media influences both the public opinion and the democracy of a liberal country by framing information and setting agendas to essentialize information that could pose challenge to both of them. Here, Ward, (2014) discussed that the framing of political natives can lead to polarization as media outlets scatter to their target audiences. It is being argued that this polarization creates eco chambers where individuals are export not only to information that aligns with their existing beliefs, but also to other areas where their political decisions can be influenced heavily (Stier et al., 2020). An example is the rise of partisan news outlets in the United States that has contributed to a divided public consuming information that reinforces their preexisting political views. Moreover, the erosion of trust in media poses significant consequences for democracy as media outlets become polarized and accused of bias public trust diminishes. Mach et al., (2021), presented a counter argument stating that a skeptical attitude towards media is a healthy form of perception for a democracy, as it encourages citizens to critically assess information. However, an excessive erosion of trust can lead to a situation where facts are dismissed, dismissed based on perceived media biases.
The challenges of balancing commercial interest with journalistic integrity have been detected with utmost importance as it could serve to the critical dilemma in the liberal democracies (Park et al., 2020). While media outlets need financial support to sustain operations, maintain journalistic ethics is important and paramount for fostering an informed citizenry (So and Kim, 2022). Apart from this, media ethics rooted in principles of accuracy, fairness and independence serves as a guiding framework. To address these challenges, bolstering media independence becomes imperative and supporting nonprofit journalism initiative needs to be considered with alternative funding models to reduce reliance on commercial interests.
To conclude the essay, it is important to highlight that there are delicate balances between media and political power in liberal democracies that necessitates a clear approach in understanding and recognizing the role of media in shaping public discourse, and also the influence of political power in shaping media activities. With a ton of examples and argument, the essay has been evident in providing a clear insight about how the news media are being influenced or interrelated with the political institutions or power in terms of presenting biassed and unbiased information, as per the circumstances. Most importantly, the news media faced challenges with the commercialization and association with political institutions that preserves their core independence of presenting unbiased information. To some extent this can be solved by taking an alternate approach of commercialization or considering alternate funding tool, that would help in upholding the foundation of liberal democracy with ever evolving media landscape.
References
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