Media Control

As citizens of a capitalist society we need to consider the dangers that corporate media imposes on democracy. Big corporation’s interest lies in the betterment of the corporation. So what interest does big corporation have in the media?

This discussion usually begins with the question: What purpose does the media serve in a democratic society? Society currently faces a controversy over the definition of democracy.

“Democracy (di mok’ré sę) n., pl. -ies 1. government by the people; a form of government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised directly by them or by their elected agents under a free electoral system. 2. a state having such a form of government. 3. a state of society characterized by formal equality of rights and privileges. 4. political or social equality; democratic spirit. 5. the common people, of a community as distinguished from any privileged class; the common people with respect to their political power.”

There are two forms of democracy widely discussed yet only one is acted out. The first is a democracy “for the people,” where people take part in the political process. The second is the idea that the

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People need to feel secure, so they doubt their own instinct and follow their “superiors”. These major media giants are the sole source of information for many Americans. These two interpretations run parallel in some cases but there is much discrepancy in the role the people should take in democracy. If the opportunity for profit is there, by what ever means, big corporation will take it. Essentially what we have is a two party system; both of which are pro-business. Some people are better leaders than others, so they should be in charge. Imagine the influence these corporations would have on public opinion if they were so inclined. After all, why would the people elect someone who did not have the people in his best interest? This is where corporate media plays its part.

What about corporate media’s influence on the presidential elections? The majority of corporate media’s campaign-coverage is of pro-business candidates.

Something one should consider is the motives of a corporation: profits and market share. has threatened that the world economy would falter if the Microsoft monopoly was broken. The opinion of the people is effected by their knowledge. If the producer could control the consumers desires to buy, the profits would be enormous. The United States was the pioneer of the public relations industry. Its purpose, as the leaders put it, is “to control the public mind” according to Noam Chomsky.

Approximate Word count = 907
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

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