"Freedom of expression --in particular, freedom of the press --guarantees popular participation in the dcisions and actions of government, and popular participation is the essence of our democracy."

-- Corazon Aquino


  


The Role of Parliaments in Promoting an Information Rich Society - Unit 2: The Relationship between Parliament and the Media

 

Unit 2 Questions

Please answer each of the following questions.  If you are taking this course in a group you may then meet to discuss your answers.

  1. Despite the presence of bias in some media reporting, the media nevertheless plays a pivotal role in a working democracy.  What role do the media play in democratic governance?
  1. What is it to have a strong professional relationship between parliament and the media?
  1. Drawing on the commentary and readings, what can parliament do and refrain from doing to help build the environment and trust needed to strengthen the relationship?
  1. Why should parliament seek to avoid building a relationship with the media that is adversarial or too close?

 

Select Bibliography

McManus, J. “Local TV News: Not a Pretty Picture” Columbia Journalism Review, May 1990, 29:1 42-43.

Pitts, G. “Democracy and Press Freedom in Zambia: Attitudes of Members of Parliament Toward Media and Media Regulation,” Communication Law and Policy Vol.5, 2000: pp269-294 

Oyeleye, A. “The Mediation of Politicians and the Political Process in Nigeria,” Parliamentary Affairs Vol.57 No.1, 2004: pp.157-68 [In particular 160-165]

 

Internet Resources

Alexandrova, P. Transitions Online: “Hooligan” Media Say Bulgaria’s King Simeon is Spanish (17-23 June 2003) http://www.ciaonet.org/pbei/tol/tol_2003/jun17-23_g.html

Tajikistan: Government Threatens to Close Outspoken Papers (14 January 2004) Eurasianet.org http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/rights/articles/eav011404_pr.shtml 

 

 

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