Reports
Global Agenda Council on Informed Societies 2012-2014
A healthy democracy requires an informed citizenry, or so the theory goes. This argument assumes that citizens receive impartial and objective information, delivered via a free and diverse media, leading to a robust exchange of opinions. Members of society are thus able to participate fully in community decisions and democracy can flourish. In practice, however, it is widely acknowledged that the media has not served this purpose. Concentrations of ownership, the assimilation of mass media, concerns over private interests – in everything ranging from advertising to sourcing – have forced a rethink of the respected notions of free speech, impartiality and objectivity.
A healthy democracy requires an informed citizenry, or so the theory goes. This argument assumes that citizens receive impartial and objective information, delivered via a free and diverse media, leading to a robust exchange of opinions. Members of society are thus able to participate fully in community decisions and democracy can flourish. In practice, however, it is widely acknowledged that the media has not served this purpose. Concentrations of ownership, the assimilation of mass media, concerns over private interests – in everything ranging from advertising to sourcing – have forced a rethink of the respected notions of free speech, impartiality and objectivity.