Yes, the information media have a social responsibility to play. Information has become readily available. People can watch or read the latest news on their smartphones. The press typically presents information as if it were facts when, in reality, they are just opinions. Nowadays, the media industry is more concerned about getting a higher rating and increasing its revenue base. Also, the media has a role to play in providing people with fact-based news. More often the media provides opinion pieces by discussing what is right and wrong. There is no doubt that news can influence a person’s opinion easily. The media should simply report news and leave the public to decide. It is vital for journalists to provide the public with every detail of what is happening around the world. The media is responsible for providing objective, truthful, and balanced news. The media plays a vital role in society, and if they give misleading information, it can cause havoc. If the media reports inaccurate information, it will leave the public with false information. The media needs to be upfront about their source.
Undoubtedly, the media has a significant influence on the public view of politics. The impact is evident, especially during elections. For instance, if the media gives its opinion about a given presidential aspirant being in the lead, then the person will win the election. Most people think that whatever the press says is true. It is usually not the case. If an individual feels that the information given by the media is accurate, they will change their opinion based on the news. An individual can change his support for a given political party if they find that what they support is not popular. Parties are using the media to get support from the public (Cary, 2010). Media is used in political campaigns. According to Lynch (2012), the media acts as a check for the government’s power over its citizens. The media brings information to a broader audience.
Technology has made it possible for businesses to provide customers with convenient service. Media has not been left behind. Electronic media allows people to get news on the go and from anywhere. Journalism has greatly changed due to technology. Electronic media has changed journalism in several ways. Only those organizations that can adapt to changing technology will survive in the future (Glogger, 2012).
The first change is that in the past news was being printed. However, with technological advancements, the media has to change how they publish their news. In doing so, they would increase their customer base. Given all these changes, the media could provide information on time. The media can now have live updates and keep people always updated. For example, before electronic media, users had to wait to get their newspapers the following day. However, with electronic media, they can get the news on their smartphones as soon as it has been published. People can now access new anytime and without any delays. Furthermore, with electronic media, companies can reach people from all over the world.
References
Cary, K.M. (2010). 5 ways new media are changing politics. Retrieved on February 12, 2018, from https://www.usnews.com/opinion/articles/2010/02/04/5-ways-new-media-are-changing-politics
Glogger, G. (2012). How New Media Has Transformed Traditional Journalism.
Retrieved from http://www.johnchow.com/how-new-media-has-transformed-traditional-journalism/
Lynch, M (2012). Analyzing the media’s role in the political process. Retrieved on February 12, 2018, from https://www.huffingtonpost.com/matthew-lynch-edd/analyzing-the-medias-role_b_1083914.html
