Global Media and Communication Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Global Media and Communication - Essay Example As fourth pillar in the democratic principles and governance of a country, it helps in the identification of outlining corrupt acts within the government (Darch and Underwood, 2010). Despite this critical role, media itself as an institution is not immune to infiltration by corrupt politicians and corporate leaders who buy their names into the news. Despite lack of proper research into the area of media corruption and complacency in highlighting certain news aspects, media corruption is a reality. Powerful politicians and corporate leaders influence the nature of the reports made by the journalist for their own personal good and interest. Such practices go against the ethical protocols for media practitioners, as the role of the media is to make available to the public essential news items without interfering with the originality of the content to favor those involved (Besley & Prat, 2006). The evaluation of extent to which corporate and political interest have infiltrated the media is essential in the discussion of corruption in the media industry. In this paper, the role of political leaders and corporate managers in abetting corruption and malice in the media industry will be discussed. The paper will also provide the impacts of having a compromised media in today’s democratic situation by analysing the need for uncensored and biased news. Role of media in fighting corruption As a major pillar in the building of democratic institution in a country, the fourth estate has a major mandate to the people and to the globe in general. This makes it essential for the media to ensure it upholds accountability and transparency at all times when developing and relaying news item to the public. For the media fraternity to accomplish their role without any interference, it must be free from any form of control from either the government, political interest or even corporate players (Nogara, 2009). Control of corruption and playing the role of corruption watchdog r equires a media fraternity that is plural, enjoys media freedom and has advanced ways of reporting corrupt deals before they actually cost the taxpayer’s money. Through the development of a free press, the fight against corruption gains momentum as the public is factually informed of any corruption related deals in depth. This occurs through the media’s role of creating awareness in the public and increasing the citizen’s access to information on corruption (Spence, 2008). By running a new story on corrupt deals or practices within any arm of government or even in the private sector, the fourth estate creates a room for beginning of investigation. This occurs because of public outcry and complaints following a report highlighting the vices being undertaken within a specific department. Through the publication of such stories, the media plays a critical role of mobilizing the public and generating pressure for reforms aimed at eliminating the loopholes being expl oited by the corrupt. Apart from direct reporting after these events have occurred, media has a role in ensuring that all investigations aimed at uncovering corrupt deals are well covered and the public is well informed of the findings. Providing such information to the public through critical reporting provides the public with a plat form to air their concerns and demand for action against the perpetrators. Factors affecting integrity of media The significant part of the fourth estate as the public eye can compromised through interference and