Explain why media reporting on covid19 reflects a democratic sociaty
Answers
Answer:
Mainstream media is a place where anyone can contribute to important issues and topics of discussion. Media Democracy encompasses this idea by advocating for ideas such as free and independent press. The overarching goal is to achieve a free, open, and accessible internet for everyone. Thus creating a diverse space for media ownership from all walks of life to contribute into a larger collective without suppression. Such campaigns include “Freedom of The Press”, “BroadBand Access”, “Net Neutrality”, and “Media Consolidation”.
Answer:
Explanation:
Governments worldwide are introducing measures to stop the spread of false news relating to the Corona Virus Disease, or COVID-19. Although arguably well intentioned, these changes are viewed as a pathway to the implementation of repressive laws against press freedom. However, COVID-19 is not a sudden catalyst for crackdowns on journalists and media houses. Countries accused of increasing repressive legislation around communication of news have already set the wheels of violations in motion. COVID-19 has merely shone a spotlight on what has been happening for years.
Press freedom comes in different forms across Africa. However, the word “freedom” is a tenuous concept. The lack of uniformity in terms of constitutional mandates protecting press freedom are testament to the limits on journalistic integrity and expression in many African states. Violations of freedom are commonplace, despite some positive gains on the World Press Freedom Index. Violations include censorship, arrests and physical violence, which are often ignored by the state. Money also buys silence. Some newspapers are bought to ensure they toe a political line while state-owned media means the state often has the means to manipulate information.