Functions of Media

1
Functions of Media

• Linkage function (connecting policy makers with
  the larger society)
• Emotional outlets and entertainment
• Specific outlet for minorities (subcultures)
• Assist in working of democracies (in democratic
  countries)Political forum

2

• For efficient functioning of a democracy, a
  healthy public sphere is essential
• Habermas coined the word Public Sphere
• Public sphere refers to all the places and
  forums where issues of importance to a political
  community are discussed and debated.
• Public sphere refers to the forums where
  information relevant for citizen participation is
  provided.

3

• Public sphere is limited in large and diverse
  countries
• In technologically advanced societies all forms
  of media play a significant role in bringing
  people together
• Unlike a technologically poor country
  technologically advanced countries have lesser
  personal contacts.

4
Significance of Public Sphere in a Democratic
society

• Public must be informed to make political choices
• In large and complex societies public
  participation is usually restricted to protests
  or elections
• Therefore mass media become important in modern
  times to give a voice to the people.

5

• Habermas suggests public sphere works best when
  media are free of government and dominant
  economic forces.
• Public broadcasting, without any support from
  corporations, will be a good example of healthy,
  pressure free public sphere.
• Libraries, schools, churches, voluntary
  organizations are other examples of public
  sphere.

6
Threats to Public Sphere

• Government control
• Self-censorship (Private media)
• Advertiser/sponsor control