Final answer:
The press/media carries the responsibility of reporting news accurately and without bias, aiming to provide the public with reliable information and to protect democracy by maintaining a check on power. Sensationalizing news may provide short-term gains in readership, but truthfulness ensures long-term trust and a well-informed public. The diverse media landscape, including the rise of social media, poses challenges to the accuracy and credibility of news, highlighting the importance of maintaining high journalistic standards.
Step-by-step explanation:
Responsibilities of the Press and Long-term Benefits of Truthful Reporting
The press has the responsibility to report news stories in an accurate, unbiased, and informative manner. They should avoid exaggerating or making-up stories as doing so undermines public trust and can have deleterious effects on society. While the short-term benefits of sensationalizing stories may include increased readership and advertising revenue, these practices are detrimental in the long run. Sticking to the truth, conversely, promotes informed citizenship, protects democracy, upholds journalistic integrity, and fosters a responsible and educated public discourse.
In terms of how the media protects people from a tyrannical government, accurate journalism acts as a check on power, exposing corruption and ensuring transparency. The long-term benefits of reporting with integrity include the preservation of a free society where informed citizens can make educated decisions. Media as Gatekeeper implies that it should provide a balanced and full perspective, keeping the public informed about a wide array of issues rather than a selection that might fit a particular agenda.
With the advent of social media and citizen journalism, the media landscape is more diverse, which has implications for both the spread of information and misinformation. While citizen journalism can democratize information and increase coverage of world events, it also poses challenges to the accuracy and credibility of the news, emphasizing the need for trained professionals to maintain journalistic standards.