Media and government

A.k.a. media versus government:Notes on an adversarial

(or not) relationship

www.newstrust.net

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.org– NewAssignment.Net