The mass media’s role in strengthening democracy in an information society : a critical legal appraisal

Abstract

Introduction: This book chapter discusses the role of the mass media in strengthening democracy in an information society. It does so from a legal perspective. But it goes beyond that because it tries to identify the lacunae in Maltese Law in order to suggest how these gaps can be filled through updating of the law. It starts off by defining the three key terms used in this chapter - the 'mass media', 'democracy' and the 'information society'. It then passes on to discuss in greater depth how the mass media are legally empowered to contribute to strengthening democracy in the information society we are living in today which inundates us with hundreds of thousands of pieces of information every single moment in our life. Then the book chapter examines the other side of the coin, that is, the remedies which the public has when it is this time the mass media which abuse their powers to the detriment of the continued evolution of a democratic society thereby endangering that same freedom of expression and freedom of the press which the same mass media should continue to enjoy. The book chapter concludes by proposing a number of recommendations intended to ensure that the mass media are used effectively to strengthen democracy in an information society whilst ensuring that the media themselves do not abuse their own powers to the detriment of the development of a democratic society which safeguards and protects those very same freedoms which are at the very core of the lifeblood of a healthy democratic society - freedom of expression and freedom of the press.