JOURNALISM AND SOCIETY

KEY TOPICS

• Evolution of the concept and practice of ‘free speech’ and ‘free press’
• Purpose of journalism in society  and its  role  in  the  architecture  of  democracy  (e.g. freedom, civic responsibility, transparency and accountability)
• Role and responsibilities of journalists in the 21st century in the national and global arena (e.g. mirror, gatekeeper, watchdog, enabler, facilitator)
• Public-interest journalism, editorial independence vis à vis ownership influence
• Role of information ethics

PEDAGOGICAL APPROACHES and ACTIVITIES

‘Civilization has produced one idea more powerful than the other – the notion that people can govern themselves. And it has created a largely unarticulated theory of information to sustain that idea, called journalism.The two rise and fall together.’

Bill Kovach andTom Rosenstiel, The Elements of Journalism

Freedom of expression – sometimes known as free speech – has long been regarded as                                                  79

a fundamental right, essential to the realization of our full human potential, a foundation of other rights and freedoms and underpinning social and economic development. But freedom of expression needs public platforms that permit the exchange of information and ideas to be effective, hence the important role of the media in providing those platforms. In order to fulfil this function however, the media need to be independent of state or government control. This freedom from regulation in turn places an obligation upon journalists to behave ethically, hence the development of professional codes that deal with journalistic standards.

In considering these issues, the training facilitator may choose from the following:

— ACTIVITIES

• Teachers are assigned to research and report on the evolution of ‘free speech’ and ‘free press’ in their country. The report will include a visual timeline of milestones, such as:
  • Historical developments in the evolution of the theory and practice of ‘free speech’ and ‘free press’
  • Journalists and/or media agencies that made specific contributions to press freedom and democracy
  • Events in democratic movements where media and news reporting played a significant role
• If feasible, the training facilitator assigns teachers to interview journalists on their views of the role of journalism in promoting or pursuing The interviewees will be requested to cite specific instances when media coverage played a key role in the national or international landscape, as well as managing potential tensions between ownership interests and the public interest. The teachers then write a two- page reflection paper based on the interview, indicating the specific function of the media, the ways in which the media operated, and the key issues that were addressed

ASSESSMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

• Reflection paper on results of readings and/or interviews
• Essay or blog on issues related to media and democracy
• Participation in group learning activities (e.g. workshops, class discussions, )

TOPICS FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION

• Case studies on a controlled press
• Propaganda journalism