TP: The Crisis in the US Media and the 2004 Election
by Ronda Hauben, 23.01.2005
Without a press that can function independently of government the public is left disarmed
A critical question raised by the 2004 election in the US is the role played by the media. Democracy and vibrant public discussion are intimately related. An election campaign in a democratic society is a time to encourage public discussion on the most pressing policy issues facing the society. The debate and discussion during an election campaign can become the basis for the policy decisions that the successful candidates will be under pressure to implement.
Such a process traditionally requires a press which raises the issues and supports the exchange and consideration of a broad range of viewpoints. The 2004 election in the US was a test of the nature and quality of democracy in the US. It was a test of how the supposed "democracy" the US government claims to be promoting in other countries functions at home.
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