3. DEMOCRACY
“a system of government in which the citizens
exercise power directly or elect
representatives from among themselves to
form a governing body, such as a parliament”
3
5. FUNDAMENTALS OF DEMOCRACY
A political system for choosing and replacing the
government through free and fair elections.
The active participation of the people, as citizens, in
politics and civic life.
Protection of the human rights of all citizens.
A rule of law, in which the laws and procedures
apply equally to all citizens.
5
9. FUNDAMENTALS OF DEMOCRACY
A political system for choosing and replacing the
government through free and fair elections.
The active participation of the people, as
citizens, in politics and civic life.
Protection of the human rights of all citizens.
A rule of law, in which the laws and procedures
apply equally to all citizens.
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10. DEMOCRACYAND MEDIA
“The purpose of journalism is to provide
people with the information they need to be
free and self-governing”
— Kovach & Rosenstiel, Elements of Journalism
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12. JOURNALISM
Journalists are not merely purveyors of facts. Now
and for the foreseeable future, we need a cadre of
full-time workers who report the things someone
somewhere doesn’t want reported, and who do it
in a way that doesn’t just make information
available… but frames that information so that it
reaches and affects the public.
https://towcenter.org/research/post-industrial-
journalism-adapting-to-the-present-2/
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13. JOURNALIST
Not a organized professional society
“Anyone who might find him or herself
producing news and who aspires to do it
ethically and responsibly”
https://towcenter.org/research/post-
industrial-journalism-adapting-to-the-
present-2/
13
15. JUSTTODAY…
“[Pope] Francis called for a “journalism of
peace… A journalism created by people for
people, one that is at the service of all,
especially those — and they are the majority
in our world — who have no voice.”
http://variety.com/2018/politics/news/
pope-francis-fake-news-2-1202675023/
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16. JOURNALISM != MEDIA
Media = the mode, channel, technology of
broadcast
Journalism = type of content, process to
create it
16
17. INTHIS CLASS
We say “media” but focus on journalism, free
press
But also touch on other ways tech and media
impact our democracy
17
18. TRUEAND OBJECTIVE? MAYBE
“Journalism’s first obligation is to the truth”
Accuracy is not enough: can be factually correct but
substantially untrue
Accuracy is only the foundation for interpretation,
debate, context, and communication
Neutrality is not common or expected
But objectivity (in process, accuracy) might be
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19. POPE FRANCIS (AGAIN)
“If responsibility is the answer to the spread of
fake news, then a weighty responsibility rests on
the shoulders of those whose job is to provide
information, namely, journalists,
the protectors of news.”
http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/
messages/communications/documents/papa-
francesco_20180124_messaggio-
comunicazioni-sociali.html
19
20. FOCUS OFTHIS CLASS
“Addressing threats to an informed
electorate”
Understand and support the ecosystem that
allows facts and information — as accurate,
objective and contextualized as possible — to
thrive.
20
22. NO NEED?
New world, anyone can publish anything!
Why do we need journalism/the free press?
22
23. FREE PRESS UNDERATTACK
Dwindling resources and support
Digital, legal, physical assaults
Challenges to credibility and reliability
Shifting business models and income sources
23
30. SO HOW*CAN*TECHNOLOGYHELP?
“Addressing threats to an informed
electorate”
Understand and support the ecosystem that
allows facts and information — as accurate,
objective and contextualized as possible — to
thrive.
30
35. ONE OPPORTUNITY:JOURNALISM INANEW
AGE
Machines: collect and analyze more data
Citizens and communities: observe,
comment, highlight needs, show interest
Journalists: authenticate, verify, access,
amplification
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38. SUMMARY
“Addressing threats to an informed
electorate”
Understand and support the ecosystem that
allows facts and information — as accurate,
objective and contextualized as possible — to
thrive.
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