My First Blog

In class we’ve been looking at the changing role of journalism in our society. Historically, the role of broadcasting was to educate the masses, and inform them of issues that might pertain to them. This has always been considered an important aspect of a democratic society, as an informed public can participate in the government. After reading the article by Mcquire, I was made aware that I have a dystopic view of modern day news broadcasting companies. It seems to me that somewhere along the way they forget this important role that we rely on them for, and put a greater emphasis on the bottom line.

The media conglomerates in Canada and the United States kept their costs down by relying heavily on public relations personnel and government spokespeople. With the bias so intrinsic in the information given by these individuals, the general public seem to have began looking elsewhere for more accurate and complete information on important topics.

In light of this change, this course seems incredibly relevant right now. Although I’ve never been a blogger before, or participated whole heartedly in citizen media, I look forward to participating. As Habermas is quoted to have said, “It is no accident that these concepts of the public sphere and public opinion weren’t formed until the concepts of democracy. Public opinion can be formed only if a public engages in rational discussion.” With this in mind, I begin the undertaking to be critical of questionable material I find in the blogosphere and have others hold me accountable to the information and opinions that I post as well.