Journalism and Democracy Q&A

On Journalism
1. Now tell me again, what is your definition of journalism?

I view journalism as the act of unbiased writing and editing for a publication that informs citizens on important events.

2. How many different models of journalism exist today?

There are three different models for journalism:  traditional-elite, advocacy, civic journalism, and citizen 2.0.



On Democracy 
3. What is your definition of democracy?

Democracy is a form of government where the power comes from the people.

4. What is the difference between "election politics" and "public politics?"

Election politics illustrates the politician's ability to persuade the public in their favor, while public politics illustrates the politician's ability to influence the public's perception on key issues.

5. What was the Lippmann v. Dewey debate?

The Lippmann v Dewey debate was a debate in the 1920’s between  writer Walter Lippmann and philosopher John Dewey about the role of Journalism in a Democracy. Focusing on the journalist's responsibilities to the public, Lippmann believed that journalists should serve as a middleman or a window between the general public and the government; while  Dewey believed that journalists should consider policies being enacted instead of making the decision to pass on important government information to the public. Dewey was favored in the case and "community journalism" developed from his arguments. 

On the First Amendment 
6. What does the First Amendment say exactly?

First Amendment states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." In other words, this Amendment protects the rights of free speech and the press.


7. Are any of these protections important in your life?

As an American citizen, the First Amendment allows me to voice my opinion either through the press or any other media outlet. This is very important to me since I am a very opinionated person.


On Diversity
8. Why is diversity in religion, speech, press, assembly and petition so important to a democracy?

Diversity is important because it leads to the exchanging of new ideas from all different perspectives. America is not made up of only one type of person, so if this country truly is a melting pot, this needs to be reflected in our government and reinforced by our media outlets.

9. How do journalists and the First Amendment ensure that people hear diverse voices in the

marketplace of ideas?

With the rise of affordable and portable technology, anyone can be a journalist. While not everyone will become a professional journalist, anyone and everyone has the ability to create a site on the web voicing their ideas, opinions, etc. The First Amendment ensures that journalist of you kind, have the freedom to report on any information however they see fit.

10. Can you speak from personal experience about how diversity, protected by the First
Amendment or championed by journalists, made a difference in your life?


Listening to the radio broadcast of Democracy Now! every morning on WRFL enables me to learn more about the world around me and influences my perception on current events. Democracy Now! reporting on a wide variety of new stories from around the world and boldly taking strong leftist stands on political issues, has given me a more liberal view of the world.