The Concept of Pluralism and Media - Literature review Example

Literature Review: Pluralism and Media Name Course Instructor Date Introduction There exists a substantial amount of research, discussion and literature on pluralism and media. The aim of this paper is to give a critical literature review of three previous peer reviewed articles examining the concept of pluralism and media. It is worth noting that media is a very important aspect of the society. It is essential for the flourishment of any democratic and open society. This is so because an independent media is free to question the actions of powerful individuals and institutions in the society and is also able to provoke and sustain debates concerning matters the affect the society at large. Media can be described as a public watch-dog of state power (Barton 2010, p. 3). The media also acts as a voice on behalf of the citizens as it is capable of airing their concerns and issues so that those in the government are able to address them. That is why this present paper gives detailed literature reviews that attempt to demonstrate the concept of media pluralism in the society. Discussion In a research article titled “Media Pluralism-What should be the European Union’s Role”, the authors of the paper are pro media pluralism and strongly assert that it is crucial to maintain and develop media pluralism for purposes of democratic processes in the society. The paper is authored by the European Commission Information Society and Media Directorate General (ECISMD). According to the ECISMD (2005), it has always been a concern of the European parliament to protect pluralism in the media sector. Moreover, the Council of Europe has since time immemorial, through reports and recommendations protected the idea of pluralism in the media industry. The authors also assert that ministers through ministerial conferences have also passed policies that support media pluralism (ECISMD 2005, p. 2). The article also elaborates on the control measures that have been put in place to promote media pluralism in Europe. This includes laws and control mergers such as Article 21(4) of the Merger Regulation (ECISMD 2005, p. 2) which puts in place several control measure that uphold media pluralism in those states. Generally, the European Union openly supports and protects the idea of media pluralism for purposes of democracy and better governance. Another aspect of this article is that it discusses the measures that have been put in place to protect and promote media pluralism in the Union. First and foremost, there are strict rules and regulations which are meant to safeguard pluralism. These act as very important instruments in the promotion and protection of pluralism in the media industry (ECISMD 2005). Notably, the authors also contend that obligations have been placed upon broadcasters to actively promote media pluralism (ECISMD 2005, p. 3). In this sense, they are required to ensure that media pluralism is achieved both on a national and international level. Another article by Barton M (2010) also supports the idea of media pluralism. The aim of this article was to analyse the pluralism of media in the society from a constitutional perspective. Just like the previous article, the author of this article is also in favour of media pluralism. Accordingly, the author asserts that media pluralism should definitely be viewed as a constitutional principle. Barton M (2010 p. 1) says that the principle of media pluralism forms part of freedom of expression which is a right enshrined in all constitutions in the world. Alternatively, the author is of the view that media pluralism forms part of this right even if it is not expressly mentioned in the constitution (Barton 2010, p. 1). According to Barton (2010), allowing media pluralism in any society has two aspects. That it involves allowing both plurality in ownership as well as plurality in its contents. This is what amounts to media diversity, which is the ultimate goal of placing regulations on any media content. Plurality in ownership, or co-ownership, allows media pluralism in that it prevents the media market from being monopolized by particular individuals (Barton 2010, p. 3). This also, is in the interest of the freedom of expression as guaranteed by the constitution. On the other hand, the author talks about the plurality of media content to imply that content should be varied and diverse in nature. According to Barton (2010 p. 6), even though the state can fail to ensure pluralism in print media, there are many regulations that exist for broadcasters to ensure that program content meets the threshold of plurality. The author also talks about the transparency of media ownership in relation to media pluralism. Transparency of media places an obligation on all media owners to disclose facts about their sources of funds, their ownership and their relations with other media to their viewers, readers or listeners (Barton 2010, p. 9). Notably, this also ought to be considered to fall within the constitutional right to freedom of expression. Third is an article by Vaira et al. (2013) that is titled “A free and pluralistic media to sustain European democracy”. While the two previous articles mention that media pluralism is essential for any open and democratic society, Vaira et al. (2013), while asserting the same, attempt to demonstrate how the concept of media pluralism can contribute to a democratic society. The article focuses on the European Union just like the previous two. The article gives a summary of key findings and recommendations on specific aspects of media pluralism. Just like the article by the European Commission, Vaira et al. (2013) also demonstrates the ways in which the European Union has played a role in the promotion and protection of media pluralism. The author is also in agreement with the other two that media freedom is a very essential aspect of an open and democratic society. The article concentrates on the role that a free and pluralistic media would play in promoting democracy in society. As such, the authors are of the view that media freedom is very closely connected to media pluralism (Vaira et al. 2013). It defines media pluralism as embracing many aspects such as the editorial freedom, merger control rules and the independence of journalists. This same view is shared by the ECISMD (2005). Accordingly, the authors also assert that media diversity is also an important element of media pluralism. An important aspect of this article is that it addresses the challenges that are associated with media pluralism. The discussion points out a range of potential challenges that may hinder the promotion and protection of media pluralism in society. First, that politics may hinder media pluralism in a society because at times, laws are enacted that place restrictions on the freedom of expression (Vaira et al. 2013, p. 15). For instance, specific laws could be enacted by parliament restrict the freedom of media houses and the press to address particular issues in society. Examples are laws of libel, slander and defamation (Vaira et al. 2013, p. 15). As earlier mentioned, this article also addresses the role that the European Union has played in promoting pluralism in media. Just like the ECISMD (2005), Vaira et al. (2013), also contend that the parliament has been on the frontline in enacting laws and passing policies that favour pluralism. For instance, Article 11 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights that protects respect for media freedom and media pluralism as an essential element of an open and democratic society. The discussion also indicates that the EU has in several instances intervened when the independence of the media gets compromised (Vaira et al. 2013, p. 18). Subsequently, Vaira et al. (2013) advocate strongly for media pluralism in that it provides a pillar for media industry to perform its functions well. Therefore, governments and state organs have the obligation to promote this idea in as far as is possible. The authors suggests various ways in which it can be done including enacting legislative frameworks that promote pluralism, promoting transparency of the media and ensuring the independence of the media (Vaira et al. 2013, p. 37) just but to mention a few. Conclusion The paper has given a critical literature review of three previous peer reviewed articles examining the concept of pluralism and media. Taken together, the discussions indicate that media pluralism is a very essential aspect of an open, free and democratic society (Barton 2010; ECISMD 2005; Vaira et al. 2013). While ECISMD (2005) and Vaira et al. (2013) have expanded on the role of the European Union in promoting and upholding media pluralism, Barton (2010), has specifically concentrated on the evaluation of the principle of media pluralism from a consitutional point of view. The article by ECISMD (2005) elaborates on the control measures that have been put in place to promote media pluralism in Europe. Barton (2010) critically analyses the pluralism of media in the society from a constitutional perspective and lastly, Vaira et al. (2013) gives a summary of key findings and recommendations on specific aspects of media pluralism. Just like the article by the European Commission, Vaira et al. (2013) also demonstrates the ways in which the European Union has played a role in the promotion and protection of media pluralism. In addition, Vaira et al. (2013) outlines the challenges that may play as barriers to the promotion of media pluralism in the society. Conclusively, all the authors are in agreement that it is crucial to maintain and develop media pluralism for purposes of democratic processes in the society. List of References Barton M. 2010, Pluralism of mass media as a consitutional principle. The VIIIth world congress of the IACI, december 2010. Viewed 9th May 2013. European Commision Information Society and Media Directorate-General (ECISMD). 2005, Media Pluralism-what should be the European Union’s role? Viewed 9th May 2013. Vaira et al. 2013, A Free and Pluralistic Media to Sustain European Democracy. A Report of the High Level Group on Media Freedom And Pluralism. Viewed 9th May 2013. Read More