Liberal Pluralist Views On The Role Of News Media

(1) The role of news media over the time has been mixed and different theorists have tried to explain each of these roles in their own ways. We see a clear distinction between how media could actually serve the purpose of placing checks on the society or actually aiding the entities that need to be made accountable by the very same media. As the term “fourth estate” for the news media was coined in the 18th century that recognized the role of press in the society as a fourth pillar of the society other than the existent three estates at that time (Judiciary, church and commons), liberal theorists began arguing that an unregulated and independent media is actually a pre requisite for the process of democratization (Norris, 2008). They believed that not only was freedom of expression an inherent social right of …show more content…
This could be possible if the journalists are independent and objective so that they can actually serve their purpose of being the guard dogs of the society by deterring any malfeasance and providing a platform for the public to voice their thoughts freely. Contrary to this liberal pluralist conception of what the role of media actually is or should be in the society, Herman and Chomsky developed the “propaganda model” in 1988. According to this model, the elite and powerful use the news media as a tool to guarantee their mobilization, consolidation and influence in a particular region. Media power has over the years been restricted to a few hands in the society since it is being “used” for their personal gains the corporate using it to maximize their profits etc. On a national level, media is a strong tool for the government to project a positive image of its national policies. The minds and opinions of the viewers and listeners are indirectly influenced upon. The role that media played in US invasion of Iraq was clearly to serve propaganda