Liberal Pluralism

Liberal Pluralism Pluralism recognises and accepts the diversity of

society (religion, race, gender, beliefs etc)

Pluralists see society as a complex of competing interests and groups, with no one interest or group dominant all of the time.

Media organisations hold some autonomy from the state, political parties and pressure groups. The media is subject to the wishes of its consumers.

Audiences therefore select and reject from a range of views, opinions and ideologies.

Liberal Pluralism and democracy

The media can act as a part of democracy –

news coverage.

They therefore defend the lack of press regulation

because of their role of checking on politicians

and institutions

(eg. Washington Post and Watergate in the 70s

or MPs Expenses and the Telegraph in

2010)

They ensure the public are informed to vote in

their democratic elections.

Liberal Pluralism and the government

The government can intervene in the

media in 2 ways:

Prevent powerful companies from

wiping out the opposition (Competition

Commission)

Invest in public sector corporations

(eg. BBC) to ensure they are not

driven by profit making.

Liberal Pluralism and representation

Belief in recognition of all groups of society.

However there is a concern that if not properly

represented, groups are not considered a part of

society (or that which people see constructed

before them).

Under-representation can lead to

fear/alienation/discrimination.