Why Is Journalism Important?

Why is journalism important? With the reference to the literature, critically assess the role of journalism in a democratic society.

The responsibility of the awkward question has to be asked by someone and the journalist is the one who craves this duty. They are the ones who grab the challenge with both hands and seek for the truth. This is the essence of journalism and why it matters so much to free society. It's offerings of informative answers in plain English make it accessible to all. In a democracy where politicians believe their own spin and freely offer their viewpoint on current issues it is crucial for journalists to actively seek information and knock on closed doors to reveal what is really happening. However, this applies to important life changing material and not, for instance, what designer the newest celebrity is wearing.

After asking such probing questions journalists must report to the public their findings. By informing society of events they become very powerful and influential:

"A 1990 survey established that TV and newspapers come ahead of friends, family, politicians or other sources of information when it comes to influencing opinion, and that television journalism in particular is the main source of people's information about the world."

(McNair. B. 2003.)

With such a crucial role in people's lives journalism clearly matters. Without it government would dominate and the majority of society would be ignorant to their surroundings. In order to prevent this and allow a democratic society to work active participation is required along with free debate, as this encourages an informed decision when it comes to choosing representation. Journalists also sieve through vast papers of political jargon to reach the core and the truth that lies buried within in order to leave the electorate empowered. Politicians are also very aware of the significance of journalism as without it they cannot effectively function. They rely on sound bites and photo opportunities, amongst other instruments, to influence voters through media and gain popularity.

Journalism is also required to scrutinise government and big business. In his book The Universal Journalist (2007) David Randell says that good reporters should: "...afflict the comfortable" and "scrutinise the action and inaction of governments, elected representatives and public services." In the case of government it is critical they are held to account for their actions so that they are reminded of who's interests they are meant to represent. In many cases journalism applies restraints on government. By alerting people to various amendments and bills that are planned for discussion in the houses of government public opinion can be expressed in favour or opposition and limit the actions of those in power as well as dictate policy in many cases. This is one of the reasons that journalism is known as the Fourth Estate. Due to the power it wields the collective nature of journalists is ranked after the institutions of Lord Spiritual (Clergymen of the House of Lords), Lords Temporal (Life peers of the House of Lords) and Commons (MPs in the House of Commons). Lord Macaulay, a nineteenth century poet and politician, said on the matter: "The gallery in which reporters sit has become a fourth estate of the realm." (Cole.P. 2005.)

As many members of the public are not permitted, or just do not have the time to sit in Parliament, attend council meetings or listen to committee reports they must rely on the media to communicate the facts to them. Looking at business the same is true in terms of reliance. The conditions of workers, job security, future plans and corruption are some of the many important issues that effect ordinary workers which have repercussions for entire economies. In 2001 the largest collapse of a corporate business in American history saw the energy company Enron file for bankruptcy, all because: "the firm unravelled after it was alleged that the concealment of huge debts had given investors a completely false image of the company." (Tran. M & Khaw. S. 2006.) This is a good example of how checks on the powerful must be carried out. It also shows how capable journalism is at bring down the mighty after searching for answers. If this discovery had not been not uncovered then even more damage could have been done financially and even more jobs may have been lost.

Those without a political or public voice are also dependent on journalism to encourage action on their plight and suffering. Minorities are especially reliant on the message of mass media. The current issue of gang culture in urban black communities where guns and knives are used to settle disputes, which has resulted in many young deaths, is a good example. It has been brought into the mainstream in an attempt to raise awareness and try to prevent future incidents as journalism is seen as a powerful tool of persuasion and discussion.

David Randell also says that reporters should: "comfort the afflicted". This means journalism should favour the side of the less fortunate and those with the emotional story where there has been suffering.

The results of good journalism can often evoke criticism and a negative reaction as it is a tool