Liberalni i radikalni medijski narativ
Liberal And Radical Media Narratives

Summary/Abstract: Are the media an autonomous force which act as a check on the state (watchdog) or just obedient, an extended arm of the power centers aimed at exerting the sophisticiated control over society (lapdog) - is as old a dilemma as the modern democracy itself. Liberal theory is guided by the assumption that a better informed citizenry strengthens democracy, and the media play a principal role in this enterprise. At the same time, the radical narrative perceives the media as a powerful leverage in manufacturing consent. However, the role of the media should be fathomed as a complex one aimed at breaking free from the rigidities of both - worshiping the media or taking a gloomy view of them. Liberals believe that the government is the only target for media oversight, neglecting the growing social power of big business. At the same time, their radical counterparts' notion of the media as a mere tool in the power play of state and businesses is oversymplified. The media are not just an instrument of political power with a primary goal to preserve and reinforce the status quo, but also as an agent of change and progress. At the same time, the public are not mere uncritical masses which can be easily manipulated (couch potato).

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