Canada's Democratic Malaise: Are the Media to Blame?

Abstract

The media have greatly changed electoral campaigns & modified conditions of political governance in Canada as elsewhere. One can see the political dynamic in democracy as a triangle of interaction between the elected, the electorate, & the media. Considered here is whether a decline in Canadian citizens' confidence in political institutions & politicians can be traced to an increasingly negative view of politics & an orientation toward partisan conflicts on the part of the media. These are serious grievances against the media, which are reproached for undermining the legitimacy of elected officials & exercising undue influence on their decisions as well as undermining public trust in the democratic system. Robert M. Entman (1989) writes "The press is supposed to enhance democracy both by stimulating the citizenry's political interest & by providing the specific information they need to hold government accountable." This article reviews the case against the media, examining the evidence produced to support the accusations, & concludes that the picture is neither rosy nor black but contains elements of both. It is hoped that the recommendations made here will prompt the media to adjust their focus & resume their responsibility to enhance the quality of democracy in Canada. J. Stanton