ROLE OF A “FREE MEDIA” IN A DEMOCRACY

Brenda Bukowa (SUSI, M.Phil, BMC)

MISA Zambia workshop8th December, 2014

“Free Media” and Democracy Democracy; A system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state through elected representatives.

Control of a country, organization or entity by the majority of its members

“Free Media” A media channel with latitude/privilege to report without fear or favour

Elements of a DemocracyUN General Assembly (2004):

Separation and balance of power

Independence of the judiciary

A pluralistic system of political parties and organisations

Respect for the rule of law

Accountability and transparency

Free, independent and pluralistic media

Respect for human and political rights; e.g., freedoms of association and expression; the right to vote and to stand in elections

Thomas Jefferson;“if it were on me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter”

The Media´s role in a democracy

Active participation of citizens (informing, educating and mobilizing citizens)

Investigative Journalism

Peace and consensus building builder (peace journalism avoids giving undue attention to violence, focusing instead on the impact of war on communities on both sides of the divide and their efforts to bridge their differences)

Watchdog of government (accountability purposes) A voice for the marginalized in society Creation of Public square (ideal public sphere)

(public opinion)

Deterring factors that make media non responsive

in democracies Stringent laws

Monopolistic ownership

Competition for the market

Lack or in-adequate resources

Lack/in-adequate journalism training

How the media has promoted democracy

Investigative reporting: the media as a watchdog

The press as information tool and forum for discussion

The media as a peace and consensus

Duty and responsibility of the media towards our

Democracies Truthful, fair and objective

Abide by stipulated codes of ethics and professional conducts

Represent public and speak for them

Conduct research (“microphone journalism”)

Give both sides of the story

Recommendations Protection of journalists (guarantee rights and

protected by the law)

Enhancing media accountability (up hold ethical standard

we need to be role models to the public)

Building media capacity (invest in journalism devpt)

Democratizing access (the media is only effective the messages can reach a wide section of people)

Promote pluralism in media ownership.

Contact Details:Cell: +260975280558Email: brenda.bukowa@unza.combukowab1@yahoo.com

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION!!!!!