Final answer:
Media are most likely to provide balanced and impartial information when they are independent. State-owned media often reflect government perspectives, while private media may be influenced by market forces and owners' interests. Social media has introduced new challenges to media independence and information accuracy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Media are likely to present balanced and impartial information only if they are independent. This is because state media, or media owned by the government, may serve a purpose similar to propaganda by focusing on creating national unity or representing government interests, rather than offering critical pressure needed for accountability. On the other hand, while independent media are privately owned and not controlled by the government, they are subject to market forces and the interests of those who own and fund them. This raises concerns that the profit motive might overshadow the commitment to impartial information dissemination.
Freedom of the press and independent media are important elements of a liberal society and are regarded as essential for a healthy democracy. They act as 'watchdogs' by maintaining a critical stance towards government actions, thereby preventing corruption and abuse of power. However, the shift towards digital platforms has transformed traditional media, and now social media can play a significant role in spreading both information and misinformation, which can impact society and government.