Media Freedom and Independence in Contemporary Democratic Societies

Abstract

Since their emergence as means of public communication, both the press and broadcasting have been heralded as important tools for the exercise of freedom of expression and the right to information. This human rights dimension of the media has been intrinsically linked to the recognition of the vital role of the media, especially the news media, for genuine democratic systems, despite variation in systems of democratic governance and theory (Baker, 2002; Trappel, 2011). Citizens, it has been argued, can play an active role in the political process, take advantage of opportunities for political participation and contribute to political dialogue only if they have access to information. By purveying information on public affairs and by providing a space for public debate, the media were seen as key facilitators of participatory decision-making. Also, their potential to prompt the government to be responsive to the people, and, hence, enhance government accountability and transparency has been widely recognised. The media, in other words, have been claimed to be the life-blood of democracy (Fenton, 2010).