In a representative democracy, journalism is essential for a healthy functioning society. It can be a watchdog of the government to uncover corruption and unethical practices, it can provide a platform for the voices of underrepresented people suffering from injustice and oppression, and it can provide accurate and unbiased information keeping citizens informed of important news necessary for a democratic process.
 

The vital role of journalism in a Liberal Democracy


A free press is sometimes considered to be the fourth estate or the fourth branch of a democratic government. In this blog post we will look at why a free press is critical for a free society and why without the news disseminated by the media, a citizenry will be uninformed and incapable of making decisions about their government.


Journalism is essential to a functioning Democracy

Journalism is a critical part of liberal democracy, so much so that the freedom of the press is guaranteed under the US Constitution's first amendment, known to many for the other important right enumerated: freedom of speech.

The First Amendment to the US Constitution reads:

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

 

Journalism is a watchdog for the public interest, ensuring that those in power are held accountable


In a democracy, the news media is essential to keeping citizens informed about their government, society, and other important topics.

Investigative journalism focuses more heavily on in-depth reporting, analyzing complex topics, and uncovering corruption.

Because the mass media acts as a watchdog, informing the general public and bringing light to issues, some journalists may face harassment, threats, assaults, or death.

Journalists use subject-matter experts and sources


In order for journalists to do their jobs well, they need to tap into the expertise of subject matter experts. Vetted experts provide journalists with the expertise to understand complex topics and make sense of them. Without them, it would be a lot harder for us (journalists) to make informed decisions based on reliable information.

Regardless of how journalists find their expert sources, the importance of subject-matter experts should not be overlooked. 

Having vetted and diverse expert sources has a net positive impact on the quality and depth of news coverage and it can lead to a more meaningful public discourse.

It's not just journalists working on this, nonprofits and even start-ups like Rolli (rolliapp.com) are providing journalists with the tools to quickly and easily find vetted subject-matter experts.

Representation, diversity among these sources contributes to a more representative public discussion. That's why democratizing access and leveling the playing field by removing media gatekeepers is an important way to ensure sources are representative and truly professionals in their field. Rolli does this via a low subscription price that disrupts a traditionally cost-prohibitive PR industry.

Rolli ensures that deep expertise (not deep pockets) leads to media opportunities for new, diverse, voices and perspectives from under-represented communities, which in-turn helps create a more vibrant democracy and a more representative discourse.

Journalism makes the government and other powerful institutions accountable


In a democracy, local journalism is key to keeping the government accountable. A free press allows local news outlets to write stories, especially investigative pieces, exposing any unethical practices or corruption within the government. This can help keep governments transparent and ethical, and build trust and confidence in elected officials among citizens.

Beyond informing citizens, journalists provide an essential fourth check on the government. Journalists can hold the government accountable for its actions, investigate misdeeds and bring important information to the public’s attention.

Although citizen journalists may not change the world, their ability to “connect the dots” of information can create an individual story that helps the public make informed decisions, enhances political engagement and ensures that citizens are well-informed participants in their own democracy.

Journalism provides a voice to the voiceless, giving a platform to those who would otherwise not be heard


 As a veteran journalist, I have seen firsthand how reporting and journalism can give a voice to underrepresented communities, facilitate meaningful public dialogue, and enable democratic decision-making.

Journalism is a powerful tool to bring light to issues in our society that are not being addressed or given proper recognition. By reporting on stories of individuals and communities that are historically or otherwise underrepresented or marginalized, news organizations give people a platform to express themselves and to share their experiences. Local news can also bridge gaps in dialogue, foster a culture of empathy and understanding, and challenge existing stereotypes.

Journalists put their lives on the line every day to bring us the news


Journalism can be a dangerous profession, because good journalists often work on investigations, highlighting corrupt senior public officials or less than moral police conduct. There are countless examples of Mexican, Iraqi, Afghan or similar journalists that have been killed for investigating crime syndicates or authoritative governments.

Even in advanced democracies, reporters are often subjected to harassment, censorship, and diminishing protections. The lack of adequate support for the press can have a direct effect on our ability to have an accurate picture of events, policies, and ideas.

It is critical to recognize the importance of the free press as well as the reporters that keep it unbiased and independent.


Journalism students must know: Investigative journalism is an important defense against corruption and wrongdoing

Individuals who are interested in becoming reporters must equip themselves with the skills necessary to protect their work and to remain independent in their reporting. They must also have a personal commitment to uncovering the truth and telling stories that matter.

They must be willing to question their own personal biases and to consider multiple perspectives. Aside from the practical skills needed for research, interviews, and writing, successful reporters must possess the ability to stay informed about relevant topics, to write with clarity and accuracy, and to stand up for journalistic integrity.


Journalism promotes critical thinking

Certain topics, such as science, economics and international affairs require deep subject-specific understanding in order to have a nuanced journalistic perspective. Professional journalism can not only inform the public but also elected officials about the impact that certain policies and issues have on society and the environment.

Since the goal of journalism is to seek the truth and inform the public, the expertise of subject-matter experts can help to educate the populace and eventually have an impact in policy and political process.

Journalism provides an important 'check on power'


In a liberal democracy, having quality local journalism and good reporters is crucial. Journalists need to be unbiased and opinion-free and should practice fairness and accuracy when reporting on a story.

They should always double check sources and facts and can ask questions to the subject-matter experts to make sure they have their facts and figures right. They should also be cognizant of their impact, and ensure that the stories they write, are accurate and impactful but not sensational.
 

Journalism contributes to social cohesion and understanding

 
Reporting on underrepresented communities and shining a light on issues in our society requires a combination of courage and expertise. Journalism gives us the freedom to foster debate and dialogue necessary for a democratic society.

Additionally, news organizations have the power to dispel rumors, increase understanding between local communities and people, which may lead to social cohesion. As experienced journalists, we must stay dedicated to our mission and strive to protect the rights of all people.

Journalism informs the public about important issues


Journalism is an essential part of a functioning democracy, serving to inform citizens and ignite debate. As we mentioned previously, the local news media is regarded as the “fourth estate” of any modern society. It is a key part of the three-branched system of checks and balances between the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government.

Modern-day professional journalists are uniquely equipped to provide an informed, objective, and critical view of the news, uncovering stories that weren’t previously known and offering an insightful perspective to their audience.

Journalism is a vital part of civil society


At the forefront of this journalistic task are the reporters who are charged with discovering facts, understanding their relevance and reporting them accurately. Journalists are expected to be unbiased and independent in their reporting, a task that requires both dedication and passion.

Journalists are expected to make informed decisions and use their training and skill to remain true to their field. They must be able to ask difficult questions, seek out diverse sources, analyze complex information and consider multiple perspectives before reaching an accurate conclusion.

Journalism also provides information that can help people improve their lives


At the same time, the media can be a powerful source of information for citizens who need to make informed decisions about their lives and their local government too.

Journalism reporters are often the first to uncover facts about topics such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, foreign relations, and public financing. This information can spur debate and act as a catalyst for new ideas and policy changes.

What influence does social media have on journalism?


Yet despite the power of the press, the media landscape is changing, and it is becoming increasingly difficult for journalists to do their jobs in a manner that can affect meaningful social change.

Social media platforms where pieces of un-checked or non-factual news stories can go viral in seconds are a hotbed for disinformation and misinformation. This sows a general distrust in the public and confusion about what is fact and what is fiction.

Additionally, unsavory individuals, organizations and government officials can sometimes use these tools to their advantage, spreading fake news.

How does fake news affect journalism?


In a world where the lines between opinion and fact seem to increasingly get more blurred, it is essential for journalists to be able to distinguish between opinion and factual evidence. To do this, a journalist needs to speak with story subjects, confirm facts and obtain a comprehensive understanding of the material.

This will require speaking with subject-matter experts and verifying the accuracy of data. When done properly, a journalist is able to form insightful reporting which can lead to a well-informed public opinion first, stimulate debate and start a conversation on an important issue.

In a democracy, fake news can be highly damaging to a civil society. Fake news purposefully misinforms citizens and can lead to divisive conversations, heated debates, and deep mistrust in the government.

Therefore, it is essential for news media outlets to always fact-check their stories, ensure accuracy, and to be alert for false information that could be spread.

Conclusion


In conclusion, journalism plays an important role in a democracy. It is a watchdog, keeping the government and other influential actors accountable, changing public opinion, and providing a voice for those unheard and oppressed.

The importance of independent, professional journalism cannot be overstated. As the new media landscape continues to transform and evolve, professionals in the field of journalism should emphasize the importance of their craft and continue to advocate for media integrity, unbiased perspectives and accurate reporting.

To become a successful journalist and appreciate the importance of professional journalism in a democracy, one should know how to ask the right questions, pay attention to bias and accuracy, and maintain truth and integrity in their reporting. Quality journalism, as a result, is key for healthy functioning democracies.

 
 

About the author


Nick Toso is a former CNN television producer and journalist. He worked in the Washington DC Bureau for nearly a decade, during his time, he helped produce interviews with dozens of presidents and world leaders, including President Obama, Clinton, and more.


During his time in the newsroom, Nick saw the impact that having vetted and diverse subject matter experts had on the quality and depth of news coverage– and how it led to more equitable representation in the mainstream media, and meaningful public discourse. Nick wanted to provide his team with better tools to accomplish this goal, but few existed so Nick created Rolli (Rolliapp.com).


Rolli's searchable Newsroom as a Service™ platform empowers all journalists with the resources and research of a state-of-the-art newsroom.