Final answer:
The media has the responsibility to report accurate and unbiased information in a democracy, serving as an informant, connector, and watchdog, ensuring citizens can make informed decisions. It should avoid sensationalism and misinformation to maintain its essential role in a healthy democratic society. The media's ability to report on and raise awareness of human rights violations is critical for the protection of human dignity and democratic values.
Step-by-step explanation:
The media is supposed to exercise its roles and responsibilities in a democracy by providing accurate and unbiased information, especially when it comes to reporting human rights violations. As an essential part of the political and democratic process, the media reports the news, connects the government to the people, helps determine the public agenda, and motivates civic engagement. The media serves as a crucial informant for citizens, allowing them to make educated decisions, such as in voting. A media that delivers credible and factual reporting is foundational for a healthy democracy.
Media effects and bias are significant concerns, as the proliferation of media platforms has led to competition for audiences, resulting in sensationalism and misinformation. This detracts from the media's role in providing analysis. Professional journalism is meant to prevent the spread of misinformation and to serve the public good rather than focusing on entertainment or audience attraction.
When the media fails to report crucial events like human rights abuses, it can have tragic outcomes, as seen with the coverage failure during the Rwandan genocide. Thus, the media must responsibly fulfill its role as a public watchdog, holding government officials accountable and representing the interests of the people while maintaining objectivity.