Democratization & Governance

Introduction

How and when people receive information significantly affects how they view their societies and themselves. Mass media’s potential to educate, to inform — and to misinform — is immense. The content of media messages clearly influences societies’ perceptions and expectations, helping to shape public opinion and set public agendas. It can stir (or shame) authorities and other societal actors to action, and evoke – or perhaps inflame or incite – popular reaction. Western governments, international organizations, and private donors have committed tens of millions of dollars over the last decades to promote open media systems and alternative media outlets that are believed will promote understanding and respect for fundamental freedoms, demands for their realization, and transitions to democracy. Expanding media’s role in improving governance has also become a more defined goal. Any polity that aspires to democratic structures, or at least participatory governance, is best served by active open media. Active open media must be at least in some combination free, independent and pluralistic, pursue a watchdog role over the broadest array of societal institutions, and provide a public sphere of civic forums and citizens’ debate. Government, business, religious groups, civil society organizations, and even the press itself, are subject to scrutiny by active open media. Such media are essential to providing transparency, accountability, and voice, across a society.