http://www.myjoyonline.com/The News Media is the conduit through which information passes. It may be from the Public to the Government (authorities) or from the Government to the Public. For this reason, the significance of the News Media to the Public cannot be over emphasized.
Covering the political process is basically to report about the Government, the Policies it intends to implement and the issues that affect the Public. The Media has a social contract with the Public to inform them about what they need to know.
It is the duty of the Media to inform the people, in the process of informing the public, journalists should recognize the principles and rules underlying the Journalism Profession. Accuracy, objectivity, fairness and balance are the key words in journalism and they must be adhered to.
Even though the news makers are important, the substance of the news is paramount. Unearthing how much is in the National kitty, how Government intends to spend it, and reporting it is more important than any individual.
Journalists should be careful in how they report people’s private affairs. The Media can put the Government on its toes when they concentrate on the substance of the news.
Journalists stand the chance to play a big role in Policy Initiation when they stick to the Standards of their Profession.
The News Media should communicate the concerns of the Public to the Authorities. They should let the Government know what the people want, and where they want it. Once Government is fed with this information they would be guided, as to where to spend money.
However, if there are recalcitrant individuals, journalists can expose them. For instance, people who embezzle Government funds must be named and shamed or be prosecuted.
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