Question 1: Why we care about the media and theories of democracy

Question 1

How is the media a window to the world?

Answer 1

• Surveillance: choices are not obvious or neutral
• Allows the public to learn about the world in which they don’t directly experience
• Issues arise when the media gets it wrong

Question 2

How can the media shape public opinion?

Answer 2

• Informing
• Persuading the public in favor or opposition of candidates and issues
• Improving (or not) the quality of opinion

Question 3

Elitest theory of Democracy (Baker)

Answer 3

• Technocratic leadership, citizens have few responsibilities other than voting in elections
• Expectation of the media: Pull the fire alarm – reveal incompetence, corruption, and bad behavior in government

Question 4

Liberal-Pluralist theory of Democracy (Baker)

Answer 4

• Citizens should know their interests – and the interests of their group – and should mobilize to influence government
• Expectations of media: Inform citizens about their interests, encourage citizen participation, and serve specific needs of different groups

Question 5

Republican theory of Democracy (Baker)

Answer 5

• Citizens should be informed to help promote the “common good”, deliberation and compromise are essential
• Expectations of media: engage in police patrol – provide comprehensive substantive coverage that informs and encourage citizen participation by promoting civic virtue

Question 6

Why the media is important

Answer 6

• Media matters because it shapes what people know about politics
• Our evaluations of the media should depend on the role we expect it to play in democracy