POLS 3440 Lecture Notes - Rupert Murdoch, Toronto Star, Sponsorship Scandal
Document Summary
Unit 11: the media: watchdog or lapdog objectives: If transparency and accountability are society"s two great protections against corruption in public life, the media has a crucial role to play. Because of that role freedom of the press is protected in most democracies and is guaranteed in the constitutions of both. United states (first amendment) and canada (article 2, charter of rights and. They are subject to the same laws and penalties as every other citizen. But, unlike workers in other fields, their right to practice their craft is recognized in law and in the constitution. Journalists enjoy this special status because a free press is considered to be one of the foundations of a democratic society. The press serves several essential functions: it is society"s messenger. It attends events and witnesses activities at home and abroad, and reports its observations to the public at large.