The Problem of the Media

Timothy Karr Campaign Director Free Press www.freepress.net Big Media - Bad Democracy

The ‘tragedy’ of U.S. media “ A popular Government without popular information or the means of acquiring it, is but a Prologue to a Farce or a Tragedy or perhaps both. Knowledge will forever govern ignorance, and a people who mean to be their own governors, must arm themselves with the power knowledge gives.” President James Madison, August 1822 “ I’m here to confront you because we need help from the media and they’re hurting us.” Jon Stewart, October 2004

Why media matters to democracy We spend countless hours exposed to television, radio, CDs, books, newspapers and the Internet. These media inform our ideas and opinions, our values and our beliefs. They reflect and shape citizens’ understanding of social and political issues. ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object]

Our democratic system will not survive without “popular information or the means of acquiring it.” Our country’s founders understood that media and, in particular, journalism fulfilled this role by: Why media matters to democracy ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object]

The problems of the media People on all sides of the political spectrum are concerned about the state of our media system. They complain that news media have drifted toward ‘infotainment,’ that local interests and standards aren’t adequately represented by local media. ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object]

No matter what you care about — gun rights or abortion rights, the environment or economics — the media influence the perceptions of citizens and policymakers, affecting the laws that touch us all. No better proof can be found than in the millions of dollars politicians spend on television ads to run their campaigns: The problems of the media ,[object Object],[object Object],But what about the money media companies spend on politicians?

Whatever the complaint about media, one thing is certain: There are underlying structural issues at work that give rise to these problems. Attacking a single symptom — such as programming some might say is indecent — does not cure the disease. The problems of the media We must look deeper at the root causes . . . . . . and address them.

The problem with big media The U.S media system that dominates American politics and culture today has three fundamental flaws: ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object]

Profit trumps the public interest Most of the media that we see and hear is produced to make a profit — not necessarily to provide useful information and quality entertainment that accurately represents our society or fosters a healthy democracy. Here's how it works: ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object]

Too few corporations control the media Through mergers and takeovers, a handful of extremely powerful corporate giants have swallowed up independent media companies, reducing the diversity of voices in the media market while intensifying the conglomerates’ influence. ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object]

Citizens are shut out of the debate Through well-financed lobbying operations, media corporations have overwhelming influence in Washington. Media policy is shaped in closed-door meetings with policymakers. So, even though we own the airwaves, they decide how media is created, financed, and distributed. ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object]

Why media matters ,[object Object],to you Believe it or not, you have power over the media. ,[object Object],[object Object]

Media is the issue ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],The media, itself, is the issue.

Why media reform matters Media must not be considered just another business: they are special institutions in our society. Information is the lifeblood of democracy — and when viewpoints are cut off and ideas cannot find an outlet, our democracy suffers. ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object]

Changing the media Government policies determine the structure of our media system, dictating how the system will operate and who will benefit. ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object]

The big media cure ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],Until now, Big Media lobbyists have struck an unholy alliance with elected officials to enact policies that damage our democracy. The key to breaking up this pact and fostering better democracy is for citizens to mobilize to make better media policy.

Better media – stronger democracy Abraham Lincoln once said, “I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crises. The great point is to bring them the real facts.” Citizen activism brought us the 40-hour work week and gave women the right to vote, and it will be citizen activism that brings us the quality media we deserve.

The Problem of the Media

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