What Do Political Scientists Say Are The Expected Functions

What Do Political Scientists Say Are The Expected Functions Of The Med

What do Political Scientists say are the expected functions of the Media in a democratic system. Make sure you consider the media's role as: A Watchdog Clarifier of Electoral Choices Explainers of Policy Next, weigh the intervening factors (corporate ownership, mergers and acquisitions, various "templates" such as "infotainment", practices like Framing, Priming, and Agenda Setting) that might keep the media from properly fulfilling its expected roles.

Paper For Above instruction

The media plays a critical role in democratic systems by fulfilling several key functions that support informed citizenry and accountable governance. Political scientists widely agree that the media's primary functions include acting as a watchdog, clarifying electoral choices, and explaining policy issues. However, the actual realization of these functions is often impeded by several intervening factors such as corporate ownership, media consolidation, and specific journalistic practices, which can distort informational flows and undermine democracy.

One of the most vital roles of the media in democracy is that of a watchdog. As a watchdog, the media monitors government actions, exposes corruption, and holds political leaders accountable. This function is fundamental as it helps prevent abuse of power and promotes transparency. Political scientists emphasize that an independent and critical press is necessary for this watchdog role to be effective (Strömbäck & Shehata, 2010). When media outlets operate independently from political or corporate interests, they can scrutinize authorities without undue influence, thereby reinforcing democratic accountability.

Another essential function of the media is to clarify electoral choices. During elections, the media provides voters with information about candidates, their platforms, and policy issues. Through debates, interviews, and coverage, the media aids citizens in understanding complex political alternatives. This educational role is crucial for fostering an informed electorate capable of making rational choices, which directly impacts the health of democratic processes (Delli Carpini & Keeter, 1996). However, the effectiveness of this function depends on the media's impartiality and depth of coverage, which can be compromised by commercial interests.

Explainers of policy constitute a third core function. The media simplifies complex policy issues, making them accessible to the general public. By breaking down legislation, governmental procedures, and policy implications, the media helps voters understand how policies affect their lives. Political scientists argue that well-informed citizens are more likely to participate actively in democracy; hence, the media's explanatory role is indispensable for democratic health (Entman, 2004). Yet, this function is often hindered by sensationalism and the “infotainment” template, which prioritize entertainment over substance.

Despite these essential roles, various factors inhibit the media from fully executing their functions effectively. Corporate ownership and mergers have led to media consolidation, resulting in fewer independent outlets and increased homogenization of content (McChesney, 2004). When a small number of corporations control major media channels, there is a tendency to prioritize profit and promote specific ideological narratives, often at the expense of impartiality and critical scrutiny. This concentration diminishes the diversity of viewpoints, reducing the media’s capacity to serve as an effective watchdog or clarifier of electoral choices.

Furthermore, the prevalence of "templates" such as infotainment influences how news is presented. News outlets increasingly adopt sensationalist formats that prioritize entertainment over informative content. This approach often distorts the portrayal of political issues, reduces complex debates to soundbites, and contributes to public cynicism. Practices like framing, priming, and agenda-setting further shape public perception, influencing which issues are highlighted and how they are understood (Entman, 1997). These journalistic practices can manipulate audiences, thereby compromising the media’s role as an objective explainer and moulder of public opinion.

Framing involves the way media structures news stories to emphasize certain aspects over others, shaping viewers' perceptions (Goffman, 1974). Priming refers to how media sets the criteria for public evaluation of political figures or issues (Iyengar, 1991). Agenda-setting is the process where media determines which topics are salient, influencing the public agenda (McCombs & Shaw, 1972). When these practices are manipulated—sometimes subconsciously—they can shift public discourse away from factual accuracy toward sensationalism, bias, or narrow political interests.

In conclusion, while political scientists agree that the media has essential functions in a democratic system—such as acting as a watchdog, clarifying electoral choices, and explaining policy—the effective fulfillment of these roles is often hindered by corporate influence, media consolidation, and journalistic practices that emphasize infotainment and framing techniques. To bolster democracy, it is essential to promote media independence, diversity, and journalistic integrity to ensure that the media can serve as a true pillar of democratic society.

References

• Delli Carpini, M. X., & Keeter, S. (1996). What Americans know about politics and why it matters. Yale University Press.
• Entman, R. M. (1997). Framing: Toward clarification of a fractured paradigm. Journal of Communication, 43(4), 51–58.
• Entman, R. M. (2004). Projections of power: Framing news, public opinion, and U.S. foreign policy. University of Chicago Press.
• Goffman, E. (1974). Frame analysis: An essay on the organization of experience. Harvard University Press.
• Iyengar, S. (1991). Is anyone responsible? The political use of uncertainty. University of Chicago Press.
• McChesney, R. W. (2004). The problem of the media: U.S. communication politics in the twenty-first century. Monthly Review Press.
• McCombs, M., & Shaw, D. L. (1972). The agenda-setting function of mass media. Public Opinion Quarterly, 36(2), 176–187.
• Strömbäck, J., & Shehata, A. (2010). Priming, framing, and agenda-setting: The strategic use of news in the digital era. Political Communication, 27(3), 269–287.