QUESTIONS

In an era characterized by rapid information dissemination, journalism plays a pivotal role in shaping informed citizenship and democratic participation. Write an essay that explores how journalism influences citizens′ awareness, engagement, and decision-making within a democratic society. Consider the ways in which journalism informs citizens about current events, empowers them to hold institutions accountable, and fosters active civic involvement. Analyze both the positive contributions of journalism and the challenges it faces in fulfilling this vital role, including issues of media bias, misinformation, and the digital age′s impact on news consumption. Cite 3 examples you use in the essay.

ANSWERS

Journalism

Journalism helps keep people involved in government decisions by giving them the
necessary facts. This article examines how journalism affects various elements of a democratic
society, expressly informing people about important events, allowing them to hold organizations
accountable, and promoting public engagement. Journalism has had both positive effects on
society, such as promoting democracy, and adverse effects, like the spread of false information
and how technology affects media consumption. A thorough investigation into how journalism
supports and underpins democracy and active citizenship would be conducted in addition to
considering counterarguments and intricate facets of this crucial connection.
Journalism acts as a primary channel for distributing urgent and pertinent news to the
general population. According to Vos et al. (1011), journalism spreads information about nearby
and international concerns using various media platforms, keeping people updated on current
affairs. In the middle of the Russian-Ukrainian War, journalists were essential in giving accurate
facts about what was happening (Suresh 9). Reports like this help people understand other
nations more deeply, increasing our emotional ability to relate to them.
In a democracy, one of journalism's prominent roles is to monitor and hold power
accountable through its scrutiny. Investigative reporting exposes corruption and abuses of power
by shedding light on previously unknown details, enabling the general public to comprehend
how leaders behave. With the dawn of digital media, journalists now have more resources to

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uncover the truth (Suresh 6). Using multiple sources and evidence-gathering techniques,
investigative reporters uncover illegal actions, graft, and irresponsible behavior by organizations,
holding them accountable for their misdeeds through well-researched news articles. Offering
factual information, they embolden fellow citizens to challenge authority, push for reform, and
engage meaningfully in politics. Journalism must act as a watchdog to uphold accountability
among those in positions of power so that an enlightened and participatory populace might
result.
Journalism's primary goal is not only to spread news but also to encourage citizenship
and involvement. Through reporting on social issues, journalism inspires discussions and
presents the tales of unremarkable individuals impacted by advocating for positive change (Vos
et al. 1014). This area of journalism has been shown in reporting about different social
movements, including the Black Lives Matter movement, where news organizations helped
make sure the voices of protesters were heard and exposed problems with the system.
Journalism has made several good contributions to democracy, without a doubt. It is a
wall of openness, permitting residents to know about administration activities and conclusions.
By encouraging open conversation, this tool ensures that various thoughts are considered.
Reporters frequently mediate between authorities and the populace, explicating intricate
legislative and current occasions into comprehensible terminology (Perreault and Ferrucci 1301).
This function is essential for a well-functioning democracy where an informed citizenry can
make informed decisions.
Nevertheless, journalism encounters considerable obstacles in carrying out its crucial
function. News providers are biased due to their personal views plus the influence of
owners/advertisers. Perreault and Ferrucci (1303) state that this defect can impact viewers'

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perception of occurrences by distorting news coverage. With the rise of social media, people rely
on social media platforms to be informed on everyday affairs. Concerns have been raised
concerning the echo chamber effect, when people are exposed to material that confirms their
preexisting opinions, and the spread of false information due to this shift (Suresh et al. 4).
The news has profoundly impacted public opinion and foreign policy decisions due to its
coverage of the Trump-Russia probe. Evidence emerged suggesting possible collusion between
the Trump campaign and Russia during the inquiry. Some reports showed biases and
sensationalism, creating divided perspectives amongst local people and international observers
(Marmura 53). The media can shape our understanding of significant events and sway political
discussions.
International aid flowed into Ukraine as a direct result of the heroic efforts of journalists
who dug deep into the news from the battlefield. Newspaper articles offered comprehensive
knowledge of political situations, civil liberties infractions, and how combat affects
noncombatant populations (Pavlik 12). Not only did this reporting inform people globally, but it
also applied pressure to foreign governments and groups. News reporting can be quite effective
at prompting global action and solidarity when people are experiencing severe difficulties.
Even though there are good reasons for believing that journalism plays a big part in a
healthy democracy, we can acknowledge some challenges related to this function. Journalism
can sometimes get blown out of proportion or have a slant. According to critics, journalism can
be embellished or biased, which can cause the public to be misinformed. Additionally, it has
become difficult to distinguish between trustworthy journalism and false information due to the
growth of digital media. Transparency with sources helps reduce bias and sensation in media.
Educating people about media will help them figure out which journalism is reliable.

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Journalism's primary function is to educate the public and fuel political involvement. This
tool offers news updates, boosts community engagement, and holds leaders responsible for their
actions. However, confronted with problems including media skew false facts crucial to public
opinion. Democracy and a free press are like two sides of a coin that complement each other.
News organizations and average citizens must join hands to ensure media ethics thrive. With the
changes happening around us, journalists still hold the torch for what is true and keep tabs on
how things are run.