Media and the Social World

Evolution of the media

Media’s place in society
Mass media in socialization
 Media
• Media is one of the businesses in the society,
which does not perform entirely as a
commercial enterprise.
• It performs and operates as either a support
to and/or a watchdog of government
functionality.
• Media is an enterprise that always involves
and takes into consideration the public.
Roles and functions of media in democratic society
 Educative Role of Media

• The media is a tool to educate the voters, giving them facts,

news and balanced opinions about how the government runs
and manages.
 Participative Role of Media

• Balkin (1998) is clear about the participative role of media in

making political decisions. Although, media organizations
should always maintain impartiality in most political and
governmental issues, there would always be a point where
media should take a strong stance thereby manifesting its
concern for the public.

• The media should take a stand and create a venue for public
discourses, which are purposely promoted in order to create
noises and loud dissents.
Participative Role of Media
 Media’s Role When Government Fails

• Media does not only investigate, monitor, and expose

government's inefficiencies and corruptions. But it also
assumes some of its responsibilities especially when the latter
fails.

• There are two indications of a failed government. These are:

1. Vital institutions are no longer functioning as they used to;
and
2. Majority of the populace no longer trust the government
institutions
 Media’s Role When Government Fails

• It keeps information flow active and dynamic.

• Media also assumed the role of Social Services, providing free

access to telecommunications, rescuing victims, feeding
people, organizing fund-raising and all other needed services
it may offer.

• Media organizations also facilitated calls for international aids,

thus an influx of donations in various forms came in until the
national government was able to regain full control of the
situation.
Functions of Communications and Media
 Functions of Communications and Media

• Monitoring Function - informs citizens of what is happening

around them. Example: In times of natural disasters, war,
health scares, etc. Broadcast media (TV Patrol, 24Oras and
etc.)

• Information function – educates the audience as to the

meaning and significance of the “facts”; ability of the media
to teach the various norms, rules and values. Example:
Watching educative or documentary shows/programs like
Matanglawin, Ancient X files, Super Book, Mathtinik and etc.
(Broadcast Media).
 Functions of Communications and Media

• Opinion function– provides a platform for public political

discourse, facilitating the formation of “public opinion” and
feeding that opinion back to the public from whence it came.
Example: Political forums like debates, hearings and speeches.

• Watchdog role of journalism – gives publicity to governmental

and political institutions. Examples: Pork Barrel scandal(Bantay
Kaban , GMA special report). Bayan Mo Ipatrol Mo (ABS-CBN
election coverage) and SONA media coverage

• Serve as the channel for the advocacy of political viewpoints.