Should all activities of the government be open to media coverage? Why or why not? In what circumstances do you think it would be appropriate for the government to operate without transparency?
1) Answer the question being asked with 1-2 supporting arguments and evidence found in news articles or peer-reviewed journals
2) What you have learned about Media coverage (3-5 reasons)
3) Resources (use at least 3-5 news articles or peer-reviewed journals)
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Should all activities of the government be open to media coverage? Why or why not?
Thesis Statement
Yes, all activities of the government should be open to media coverage. Transparency in government is essential for a healthy democracy, ensuring accountability, preventing corruption, and fostering trust between the government and its citizens.
Supporting Arguments
Accountability: Openness to media coverage holds the government accountable for its actions. When government activities are exposed to public scrutiny, officials are more likely to act in the best interest of the public, knowing that their actions will be closely monitored. According to a study published in the Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory, transparency in government leads to higher levels of accountability and reduces the likelihood of corruption (Bauhr & Grimes, 2014).
Preventing Corruption: Media coverage acts as a powerful deterrent against corruption within the government. When journalists have access to government activities, they can uncover instances of bribery, embezzlement, or other unethical practices. Research by Treisman (2007) found that press freedom and independent media play a crucial role in reducing corruption levels in countries around the world.
What I have learned about Media Coverage
Information dissemination: Media coverage plays a vital role in providing citizens with information about government activities. It allows people to stay informed about decisions, policies, and actions taken by their elected representatives. This information is crucial for citizens to exercise their democratic rights and make informed decisions during elections.
Public scrutiny: The presence of media coverage ensures that government officials are held accountable for their actions. Journalists act as watchdogs, investigating and reporting on potential misconduct or misuse of public funds. This scrutiny helps maintain the integrity of the government and keeps officials in check.
Checks and balances: Media coverage acts as an additional layer of checks and balances on the government. It allows for public debate and discussion on policies and decisions, ensuring that different perspectives and opinions are considered. This helps prevent the concentration of power and promotes a more inclusive decision-making process.
Transparency promotes trust: When government activities are open to media coverage, it fosters trust between the government and its citizens. Transparency demonstrates that the government has nothing to hide and is willing to be held accountable for its actions. This trust is essential for a functioning democracy, as it allows citizens to have confidence in their elected officials.
Resources
Bauhr, M., & Grimes, M. (2014). Indignation or Resignation: The Implications of Transparency for Societal Accountability. Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory, 24(2), 387-415.
Treisman, D. (2007). What Have We Learned About the Causes of Corruption from Ten Years of Cross-National Empirical Research? Annual Review of Political Science, 10(1), 211-244.
