Fewer organisations control more news media which gives rise to the question whether news media in liberal democracies are lap dogs of power or watchdogs for the public. Discuss.
In liberal democracies, the role of news media is theoretically to act as a watchdog—holding those in power accountable and informing the public to ensure a well-functioning democratic society. However, with the consolidation of media ownership, fewer organisations now control an overwhelming share of the news media landscape. This concentration has sparked debates about whether the media are genuinely fulfilling their watchdog role or have become lap dogs of power, prioritising elite interests over public accountability.
Media consolidation refers to the process by which a small number of corporations acquire control over increasingly larger shares of media outlets. For example, in the United States, conglomerates such as Comcast, Disney, and News Corp dominate television, print, and online media markets. Similarly, in other liberal democracies such as the United Kingdom and Australia, companies like the BBC, Sky, and News Corp exert significant influence.
This concentration of ownership poses several risks. McChesney (2015) argues that consolidated media ownership limits the diversity of viewpoints and reduces journalistic independence. When a few powerful corporations control the narrative, there is a greater risk that media content will reflect the interests of owners and advertisers rather than the needs of the public. For instance, Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp has faced criticism for promoting right-leaning ideologies across its platforms in ways that align with its business and political interests.
The normative theory of journalism holds that media in liberal democracies should serve as a watchdog, monitoring government actions and exposing corruption and abuse of power. This aligns with the Fourth Estate concept, which views the media as a pillar of democracy, providing checks and balances on the three branches of government (executive, legislative, and judicial).
Historically, examples like the Watergate scandal demonstrate how media can function effectively as a watchdog. Investigative reporting by journalists at The Washington Post exposed corruption at the highest levels of the U.S. government, leading to President Nixon’s resignation. This case illustrates the potential of independent media to challenge authority and promote transparency.
Critics argue that in many cases, the media have become lap dogs of power rather than watchdogs for the public. This is particularly evident in contexts where media outlets prioritise profit over public interest. Herman and Chomsky’s (1988) Propaganda Model provides a framework for understanding this dynamic. According to their model, the structure of media ownership, reliance on advertising revenue, and relationships with powerful elites lead to systemic biases in media coverage.
For instance, during the Iraq War, many Western media outlets were accused of uncritically echoing government narratives about weapons of mass destruction, failing to scrutinise the evidence thoroughly. This lapse contributed to widespread public support for the war despite later revelations that the intelligence was flawed. In this case, media acted more as a conduit for government propaganda than as a critical watchdog.
Advertising dependency exacerbates the problem of media bias. Media organisations rely heavily on advertising revenue, which can influence editorial decisions. For example, a study by Baker (2007) found that newspapers with significant advertising revenue are less likely to publish stories critical of their advertisers. This creates a conflict of interest, where media outlets may avoid reporting on issues that could jeopardise their financial relationships.
Moreover, corporate-owned media often align their content with the interests of their parent companies. The case of Amazon’s ownership of The Washington Post has raised questions about potential conflicts of interest, particularly in coverage of topics like antitrust legislation that could affect Amazon’s business operations.
The rise of digital media has further complicated the landscape. While digital platforms have democratised access to information and enabled citizen journalism, they have also disrupted traditional business models, leading to newsroom closures and reduced resources for investigative reporting. According to the Pew Research Center (2021), newsroom employment in the United States declined by 26% between 2008 and 2020.
This resource scarcity undermines the ability of journalists to engage in in-depth investigative work, shifting the focus toward cheaper, faster content production. As a result, the media increasingly rely on press releases, wire services, and pre-packaged content, which limits critical engagement with power structures.
Despite these challenges, there are instances where media continue to fulfil their watchdog role effectively. Independent outlets, non-profit journalism organisations, and investigative journalists have produced impactful reporting on issues ranging from corporate malfeasance to human rights abuses. For example, the Panama Papers investigation by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) exposed global tax evasion schemes involving politicians, business leaders, and celebrities.
Furthermore, the rise of social media platforms has empowered whistleblowers and grassroots movements to bypass traditional media gatekeepers. Initiatives like WikiLeaks and Edward Snowden’s revelations about mass surveillance have demonstrated the potential for digital platforms to enhance transparency and accountability.
To counteract the risks of media consolidation and ensure that news organisations serve the public interest, several measures can be taken:
Regulatory Frameworks: Governments can implement policies to limit media consolidation and promote diversity of ownership. For instance, the UK’s Ofcom enforces media plurality rules to prevent excessive concentration.
Public Funding: Publicly funded media outlets, such as the BBC, can provide an alternative to profit-driven models. However, these organisations must be safeguarded against political interference to maintain their independence.
Support for Independent Journalism: Non-profit and community-based media organisations play a crucial role in providing diverse perspectives and holding power to account. Initiatives like ProPublica in the U.S. demonstrate the value of philanthropic support for investigative journalism.
Media Literacy Education: Educating the public to critically evaluate media content can reduce susceptibility to biased or misleading information. This empowers citizens to demand higher standards of journalism.
The concentration of media ownership in liberal democracies presents significant challenges to the media’s role as a watchdog for the public. While there are notable instances of impactful investigative journalism, systemic issues related to ownership, advertising dependency, and digital disruption often compromise journalistic independence and integrity. To address these challenges, it is essential to promote regulatory reforms, support independent media, and enhance media literacy among the public. Only through these efforts can the media fully realise their democratic potential as a check on power and a voice for the public interest.
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