Media and government

1. Media and government A.k.a. media versus government:Notes on an adversarial(or not) relationship

2. www.newstrust.net

3. Adversaries or friends? • John Peter Zenger trial (1735) ended prosecutions for seditious libel • Criticism of government is a key role for the press

4. The debate • Merrill says media and government should not be adversaries. Dennis says they should. But do they really disagree?

5. 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

6. 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

7. Post-9/11 considerations • Country was afraid, and media took a more patriotic tone

8. Post-9/11 considerations • Country was afraid, and media took a more patriotic tone • Support for war in Afghanistan was strong

9. 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

10. The so-called fourth estate • Can the media really function as a pseudo-branch of government?

11. 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

12. Anonymous sources • William Safire says it’s how the media overcome the government’s vast powers

13. 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?

14. 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?

15. Media and elections • Horse-race coverage demonstrates the limits of objectivity

16. Media and elections • Horse-race coverage demonstrates the limits of objectivity • Polls, fundraising numbers

17. Media and elections • Horse-race coverage demonstrates the limits of objectivity • Polls, fundraising numbers • Civic or public journalism sought another way

18. Media democracy • Dennis focuses on internal workings • Ombudsmen • Transparency • Leadership

19. Media democracy • Dennis focuses on internal workings • Real democratic movement is outside and online • Media blogs • Independents like Josh Marshall • Political activist sites

20. The right to know • Do Merrill and Dennis disagree?

21. The right to know • Do Merrill and Dennis disagree? • Freedom of information laws, a.k.a. “sunshine laws”

22. The right to know • Do Merrill and Dennis disagree? • Freedom of information laws, a.k.a. “sunshine laws” • No special privileges for media

23. Civic (public) journalism • Media involvement in community • Issue-oriented election coverage • Public meetings to discuss coverage, priorities • Reporting on issues important to public

24. Civic (public) journalism • Media involvement in community • Criticized for moving away from objectivity and adversarial role

25. 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