- Media Social Responsibility to ‘Keep the Government Honest’

Comment on
'Seinfeld' election exposed media flaws'Seinfeld' election exposed media flaws
Jan 10, 2009 04:30 AM, James Travers

I think there is not doubt that the position taken by Harper and the Conservative Party regarding the economy during the last election, and since, has been unconscionable, both in hiding and obscuring the realities and in their exploiting their position of power and the economic crises for self-serving political advantage and to the exclusion of any significant help for Canadians.


It may very well be that had the media, during the election, set aside political partisanship and focusing on informing the public in an objective fashion that the Canadian people could have made a more “informed” decision. For example, one may ask what purpose did it serve for the Globe and Mail to come out near the end of the campaign to support Harper and the Conservatives.


This role of the media is vital especially when one considers that Harper and the Conservatives have set up one of the biggest propaganda machines that any Democratic country has experienced in recent times.


It does not suffice for the media to say that they are private concerns and so may do as they please. The media plays a very special role in any modern Democracy in “keeping the government honest”. In return, they hold a very special and exceptional position both in law and socially. One need only read the media replies to criticisms and restrictions on freedom to information to hear this argument and from the mouths of the media, when it suites them, of course. Biased reporting for partisan purposes is in reality a violation of this “social trust”.


What is the likelihood of the media changing? You tell me.


Lloyd MacIlquham