Democracy and your reporting
Why today’s journalists must focus on the democratic process in their communities
In America, we operate under an important constitutional expectation: The press has the right to report news without interference or censorship from the government.
In our democracy, journalists take on the responsibility of providing accurate and compelling coverage of our society to help people make informed decisions about all aspects of their life.
Those decisions include:
Providing information to keep a democracy running is a huge and serious responsibility for the profession of journalism - and one that hasn’t been discussed enough.
At a time when people are bombarded with literally thousands of media platforms and sources, we see a decline in understanding about how government works; and a boatload of misinformation and conspiracies about personal rights, constitutional processes, basic health and science, and even about the media itself.
It may sound strange, but here’s what we’re realizing today:
After critical events like the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, social justice protests, controversial Supreme Court rulings and even the pandemic,
journalists now must work harder to help teach
the world’s leading democracy
about living in a democracy.
You can’t have reliable journalism without democracy - and vice versa.
A little American history review…
The First Amendment, which protects freedom of the press, was adopted on December 15, 1791, as part of the Bill of Rights.
The Bill of Rights contains the first 10 amendments to the U.S. constitution.
From the First Amendment…
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
And furthermore…
Freedom of the press — the right to report news or circulate opinion without censorship from the government — is “one of the great bulwarks of liberty,” said the Founding Fathers of the United States.
SO…
“The press” - the journalism profession - not only is protected but is given great responsibility by the most important document in the country’s history: the U.S. constitution.
Journalists should never forget that.
WATCH…
Speaking at Columbia Journalism School, former U.S. president Barack Obama discusses the importance of journalists in a democracy, from providing clear coverage of government to fighting misinformation.
Connecting democracy & journalism:
The 4 links
1.The news media must be free to operate without interference.
A free and independent press is essential to the functioning of a healthy democracy. Journalists play a crucial role in collecting and reporting the news, providing people with accurate and up-to-date information about what’s happening in their community, country and world.
Connecting democracy & journalism: The 4 links
2. Holding power to account.
In a democracy, people in power are “held to account” - meaning they must be accountable for what they do and do not do. Journalists help explain how things are supposed to work and who’s doing it better, and helping expose why things go wrong: corruption, unethical and criminal behavior, and other �abuses of power.
Connecting democracy & journalism: The 4 links
3. Ensuring all voices can be heard.
A free press can give a voice to those who may not otherwise be heard, such as marginalized or disadvantaged groups. This helps ensure that all members of society have the opportunity to participate in the political process and to have their opinions and concerns heard.
Connecting democracy & journalism: The 4 links
4. Providing a forum for healthy debate.
Journalism can stimulate public debate and encourage people to think critically about the issues that affect them and consider possible solutions. This can help to build a well-informed and engaged citizenry, and that’s essential - because uninformed voters can cause harm in a democracy.
A journalist’s work in a democracy:
Producing the “shared stories” of a community
Social science research has identified three major elements of a successful democracy: trustworthy social networks, strong institutions, and shared stories.
Local news media in particular can help strengthen democracy by:*
*Deb Roy, professor of media arts and sciences, MIT
“Wait, I didn’t know this was a politics class.”
This class isn’t a “politics class” - but politics and government affect you and everything you write about. Watch comedian Nato Green explain on Instagram.
From basic to democratic:
How your stories can help explain “how things work” in a democratic society
BASIC STORY
Former student opens new boutique in town
Campus fraternity hosts a huge fundraising party
College student is the youngest candidate in an upcoming election
Security cameras installed at downtown bars and restaurants
DEMOCRACY INFUSION!
Explain local/state laws, licenses and regulations for new business
Explore financial benefits vs. expense; security precautions and liability
How to become a candidate; candidacy regulations
Privacy protection laws, legislative debate over facial recognition
Your assignment: Answer these four questions with a paragraph or so.
RESOURCES AND STORY IDEAS
More information on journalism and democracy: https://democracytoolkit.press/resources
Democracy-related stories and story ideas:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WxU8Bpdp_8Mc2scR2h4utDDLPYGm0sxosJlaWXh9hws/edit?usp=sharing
Annual report on American’s civic literacy (American Bar Association)
https://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/administrative/news/2024/2024-survey-civic-literacy.pdf
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