Democracy and the Press: The Reality and the Myth

Abstract

This paper questions some of the generally-held beliefs regarding media and democracy, e.g. that it is self-evident that democracy is good, and that a free press is necessary for democracy.

The author explores some of the myth that have come to be associated with democracy and the media and ask some critical questions —Do citizens really care about their government workings? Do they even vote? Do they really feel they have any kind of meaningful voice in their government?

Additional information

Notes on contributors

John C. Merrill

John C. Merrill is Wee Kim Wee Professor, School of Communication Studies, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.