Why is journalism important? With reference to literature, critically asses the role of journalism in a democratic society

SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1 Journalism : Importance and Roles in a Democratic Society

The contemporary society is characterized by the popularity of the various forms of media . Today , we are living in the digital age brought to us by the dynamic technological advances . We are also currently living in the world of mass media wherein news and information are readily handed to us when we turn on our television and radio sets and when we browse on the world wide web . According to Beth Lane (2007 , by technical definition , mass media is

the channel by which mass communication or message for a large , diverse audience is transmitted At present , there are eight mass media industries : books , newss magazines , and recordings , radio , film , television , and the Internet

There are alsovarious types of media such as print media which includes news and other publication materials and broadcast media which includes radio and TV . There is also the emerging type of media that is gradually gaining popularity this is the online media which includes online blogs , forums and webpage

Mass media plays a very important role in society as a channel of communication . Media serve variety of functions to the society such as to inform , educate and to entertain

Media has been part of shaping and reshaping people 's views , beliefs and perceptions . Media are responsible in shaping public opinion and how the audiences will view or take sides on a particular issue . The media shapes the opinions and judgment of people based...