The Role of Journalism in Public Affairs: Informing, Educating and Holding Power to Account

Yijin Shi^*
*Correspondence: Yijin Shi, Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, Nanjing University, Jiangsu, China, Email:

Description

Journalism, as a pillar of democracy, plays a crucial role in public affairs by informing, educating, and holding power to account. In a democratic society, journalism serves as a watchdog, keeping citizens informed about the actions and decisions of their government and other powerful entities, and ensuring transparency and accountability. Public affairs encompass a wide range of topics that affect the public, including government policies, social issues, the economy, and international relations. Journalism serves as the bridge between these complex subjects and the public, providing information and analysis to help citizens understand and engage with public affairs [1].

At the heart of journalism's role in public affairs is its responsibility to inform the public. Journalism serves as a primary source of news and information, reporting on events, issues, and developments that impact society. Journalists gather and verify information from multiple sources, conduct investigations, and fact-check to ensure accuracy and credibility. Through news articles, features, reports, and broadcasts, journalists provide the public with up-todate and relevant information about public affairs. They cover government decisions, policies, and actions, report on social issues such as healthcare, education, and poverty, and analyze economic trends and international events. This information enables citizens to make informed decisions, participate in civic activities, and hold their elected officials accountable [2].

In addition to informing the public, journalism also plays a critical role in educating the public about complex issues in public affairs. Many public affairs topics, such as government policies or economic concepts, can be complex and difficult to understand. Journalists have the responsibility to break down complex information into accessible language and present it in a way that is easily understandable to the public. Through explanatory journalism, feature stories, and in-depth analysis, journalists help the public understand the implications and consequences of public affairs decisions and policies. They provide context, background information, and expert perspectives to help citizens develop a nuanced understanding of public affairs issues. By doing so, journalism empowers citizens to engage in informed debates, participate in discussions, and make informed decisions about public affairs.

Another crucial role of journalism in public affairs is to hold power to account. Journalism acts as a watchdog, monitoring the actions and decisions of those in power, including government officials, elected representatives, and other powerful entities. Journalists investigate, report, and expose abuses of power, corruption, and misconduct, holding those in power accountable for their actions. By acting as a check on power, journalism serves as a crucial tool for maintaining transparency and accountability in public affairs. It exposes wrongdoing, sheds light on hidden agendas, and holds those in power responsible for their actions. This serves as a deterrent against abuse of power and promotes trust between the government and the public [3].

While journalism plays a vital role in public affairs, it also faces numerous challenges. In today's fast-paced digital age, the proliferation of misinformation, fake news, and disinformation poses a significant challenge to journalism's credibility and reliability. The rise of social media and the erosion of traditional business models for journalism have also created financial challenges for news organizations, leading to a decline in quality journalism. Moreover, journalism often faces challenges from those in power who seek to suppress or manipulate the media. Journalists are sometimes targeted with threats, harassment, and violence for their reporting on public affairs. Governments may also impose restrictions on press freedom, including censorship, surveillance, and legal actions, which can hinder journalists' ability to report accurately and hold power to account. Despite the challenges, journalism remains a critical force in public affairs. It has the power to shape public opinion, influence policy decisions, and hold power to account.

Journalists must adhere to the principles of accuracy, fairness, and impartiality. Fact-checking, verification of sources and thorough reporting are essential to maintain credibility and reliability in journalism. News organizations should invest in training and professional development for journalists to uphold these standards. Educating the public about media literacy is crucial to help them discern between credible journalism and misinformation. Media literacy programs should be implemented in schools and communities to teach critical thinking skills, fact-checking techniques, and responsible consumption of news [4].

Sustainable business models for journalism should be developed to ensure that news organizations can continue to produce quality journalism. This may include exploring innovative funding models, such as subscriptions, donations, and grants, and reducing dependence on advertising revenue. Government support and philanthropic efforts can also play a role in supporting independent journalism. Press freedom should be protected and promoted by governments, organizations, and civil society. Journalists must be able to report without fear of censorship, harassment, or violence. Legal frameworks should be in place to safeguard press freedom and provide access to information. Journalism should adapt to the changing media landscape by leveraging digital tools and platforms. This includes fact-checking tools, data journalism, and multimedia storytelling techniques. News organizations should also prioritize transparency in their reporting, showcasing their journalistic process and sources to build trust with the public. Diversity in newsrooms is crucial to ensure a range of perspectives and experiences are represented in reporting on public affairs. News organizations should strive for diverse newsroom staffing, including diversity in race, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic backgrounds, to avoid biases and promote inclusivity in journalism [5].

Journalism plays a critical role in public affairs by informing, educating, and holding power to account. Upholding journalistic standards, promoting media literacy, supporting independent journalism, protecting press freedom, embracing digital innovation, and fostering diversity in newsrooms are essential steps to ensure the continued effectiveness of journalism in public affairs. By doing so, journalism can continue to serve as a watchdog, promoting transparency, accountability, and informed citizen engagement in public affairs, which are fundamental to a healthy democracy.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict of Interest

None.

References

1. Wittson, Cecil L and Reba Benschoter. "Two-way television: Helping the medical center reach out." Am J Psychiatry 129 (1972): 624-627.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

2. Dwyer, Thomas F. "Telepsychiatry: Psychiatric consultation by interactive television." Am J Psychiatry 130 (1973): 865-869.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

3. Careau, Emmanuelle, Julie Dussault and Claude Vincent. "Development of interprofessional care plans for spinal cord injury clients through videoconferencing." J Interprof Care 24 (2010): 115-118.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

4. Woo, Christine, Jacinta M. Seton, Monique Washington and Suk C. Tomlinson, et al. "Increasing specialty care access through use of an innovative home telehealth-based Spinal Cord Injury Disease Management Protocol (SCI DMP)." J Spinal Cord Med 39 (2016): 3-12.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

5. Burns, Stephen P, Adam C. Eberhart, Jennifer L. Sippel and Geneva M. Wilson, et al. "Case-fatality with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in United States Veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders." Spinal cord 58 (2020): 1040-1041.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at