Themes for essay

Role of media in Governance

 Media is the plural form of medium, which (broadly speaking) describes any channel of
communication. This can include anything from printed paper to digital data, and encompasses
art, news, educational content and numerous other forms of information. Anything that can
reach or influence people, including phones, television, and the Internet can be considered a
form of media

 Traditional media includes newspapers, journals, radio, television,

magazines, and even billboards. Traditional media is broadly divided
into two subcategories: print media and broadcast media.

 Mass media include all of those media channels which can reach a
large number of people at the same time. Traditional mass media
include TV and radio channels, as well as national and international
magazines, while digital mass media mostly refers to social media
platforms and popular online magazines. Some find it reasonable to
include some video games such as massively multiplayer online role-
playing ga mes (MMORPGs).

Good governance
 Good governance has 8 major characteristics. It is participatory, consensus oriented,
accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable and inclusive and follows
the rule of law. It assures that corruption is minimized, the views of minorities are taken into
account and that the voices of the most vulnerable in society are heard in decision-making. It is
also responsive to the present and future needs of society.

 "One of the objects of a newspaper is to understand the popular feeling and give expression to
it, another is to arouse among the people certain desirable sentiments; the third is fearlessly to
expose popular defects"- Mahatma Gandhi.

 On the other hand, scholars contend that independent media or a free press is necessary but
not sufficient to strengthen good governance, particularly if the public viewpoints or
marginalized groups’ opinions are excluded in the process of checking abuse of power. For
instance, Norris (2010) suggests that states ought to satisfy two conditions in order to achieve
these goals: first, channels of mass communications are free and independent of government
censorship; second, citizens have widespread access to these media. In this context, the
independent and free press serves as a prerequisite to maintain the government effectiveness
and to promote the potential for better governance.
 For instance, opinion polls in a democracy provide a succinct means to present mass public
views to political leaders, since the decisions they make will greatly affect citizens’ lives, liberty,
and property. Moreover, government leaders are usually in touch with the pulse of the mass
public because they pay close attention to public opinion when making laws and formulating
policy.

 This is the reason political scientist Karl Deutsch has called that the system of communication
proves a "nerve of the polity," and any breakdown of the nerve may cause dysfunctional impact
in the performance of the polity causing governance decay.

 Media coverage of corruption can lead to investigations, trials, resignations, and government
policies. It can also influence the social climate in a society toward more openness and less
tolerance for corrupt behaviour. Media, Accountability, and Aid Effectiveness: A Policy Brief
2011

 "If it were left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or
newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter”.
Thomas Jefferson

 At the same time, perceived government response on COVID-19 is defined as the government's
Prompt response to the pandemic situation to device the laws, regulations, and welfare
decision-making in the public's best interest.

  The media played a worldwide role in coronavirus disease tracking and updates through live
updates dashboard. The media allowed for timely interventions by the Center For Disease
Control And Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), enabling a rapid and
widespread reach of public health communications. Anwar A, Malik M, Raees V, et al.
(September 14, 2020) Role of Mass Media and Public Health Communications in the COVID-19
Pandemic

 “Our liberty depends upon the freedom of the press” Thomas Jefferson

 A 2018 OECD study found that 2% of foreign bribery cases resulted from previous media reports
on alleged corruption, which makes media reporting the most important source for public
awareness and a paramount so

 urce of detection of corruption (Chêne 2019) The Organization for Economic Co-operation and
Development (OECD)
 The media is often referred to as the fourth pillar in democracy
 A survey by the International Public Relations Association (IPRA) suggests that taking cash for
editorial and unethical media practices are common practices especially in Eastern and
Southern Europe and in Latin America.
 Promote ethics training as an integral part of professional standards of journalism, with
specific training on why and how to avoid taking cash for news coverage • Support the
creation of media accountability systems such as ombudsmen and other complaints
mechanisms to increase transparency and accountability of media operations.
 Giving gifts and placing advertisements in the media can be alternative ways to influence
media reporting in favour of private or political interests. As mentioned earlier journalists
tend to be especially vulnerable to this form of corruption in developing countries where their
salaries are often very low.
 In some countries, freedom of expression is restricted by specific legal provisions limiting the
scope of media coverage. For example, in Jordan, amendments to the penal code states that
coverage on issues that ‘could breach national unity, divide the population or damage the
image and the reputation of the state’ will lead to prison sentences for journalists that breach
this law. Another example is Saudi Arabia where internet providers are obliged to keep track
of users who access forbidden websites (Transparency International 2003). Elsewhere
government officials are protected from media criticism and exposure, making it hard for
journalists to operate.
 Credible electoral process, respect for human rights and the rule of law The media has a
responsibility to ensure fairness in the electoral process, respect for human rights and the rule
of law than other societal institutions.
 This, according to Haruna (2014) is because most people learn about issues and events from
the media; and the media have immense power to set society's agenda because they are
arguably the most important sources of information and knowledge.
 The media are very important assets a society should have because they stimulate growth
and provide platforms for the exchange of ideas and debates.
 The importance of media to the electoral process and in ensuring respect for human rights
and the rule of law cannot be overemphasised, as they contribute significantly to the political
processes at national and international levels.
 The media three basic functions in this regard include: surveillance of the world to report on-
going events, interpretation of the meaning of events, and socialisation of individuals
(Olayiwola, 1991). Auwal A. M. (2018). Mass Media, Democracy and the Imperatives of Good
Governance in Nigeria: An Appraisal in Media Reflections on Governance and Development in
Nigeria,
 At least 42 journalists were killed in Pakistan during the last four years, stated documents
submitted by the information ministry in the Senate.