Learning Objectives

How does an unbiased media fight, expose, and educate against corruption?

After studying this unit, you should be able to:

• Understand the function of the media in preventing and fighting corruption;

• Understand the political limitations to the media in fulfilling its functions;

• Be familiar with legal protections for the media.

Introduction

In the last unit we learned the importance of CSOs in good governance. CSOs and all stakeholders, though, would be more effective, reach a broader audience, and be more likely to be heard by government officials with an accessible, available, and open media. Likewise, community stakeholders learn the opinions, decisions and actions from policymakers through the media. The media can be the mouthpiece for all sides of the political equation by communicating rights to the people, informing people about political candidates’ items up for vote, communicating the needs of the people, and the demands of CSOs. In short, the media allows for a space for political negotiations to occur.  It tells us about when elections are going to be held, what political parties are running and what promises the candidates are making. The media will inform the public of important announcements and may also research how parliament and other public officials are doing their constituents justice and where they are falling short.

Investigative journalists believe they have a duty to the public to cover stories of corruption by politicians and business leaders. Sometimes, as a result of media stories, political action can occur through the resignation or fleeing of the corrupt, often preventing others from replicating the actions for fear of public exposure and humiliation. Journalists can expose the stories of policy, corruption, and other issues relevant to parliament.

However, journalists and media outlets are often burdened by a dysfunctional and unsupportive government. This unit looks at why the media are important in the fight against corruption, their limitations, and requirements for a well-functioning and supported media.