Hence, in conclusion, the stated thesis of this essay does prove to be correct, namely, mass media in the UK has failed to fulfil its essential functions. This situation calls for an urgent and effective remedy. For the citizens to regain the media space, alternative forms such as “listener supported” models should be encouraged. Also, the public airwaves should be opened up for community radio, which has a proven track record of promulgating democratic principles. It is a shame that media houses such as Al Jazeera, based in the Middle East, are far ahead of its counterparts in the West, in terms of neutrality, objectivity and fairness (Payne, 2005, p. 82). On a more optimistic note, there are some signs already that the media’s role as an ideological vehicle is coming to its last days. With the advent of new technologies for communication, people have more control over the content and are in a better position to demand what they want. Many surveys have reflected the fact that public opinion is in favor of such empowerment. It seems that the time for its actual manifestation has arrived finally. While this will justly diminish media’s role as collaborators with an ideologue, it will help democratic governance and overall public contentment (Eldridge, Kitzinger & Williams, 1997, p. 160)
References:
Eldridge, J., Kitzinger, J., & Williams, K. (1997)., The Mass Media and Power in Modern Britain. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Negrine, R. (1994)., Politics and the Mass Media in Britain. New York: Routledge.
Payne, K. (2005)., The Media as an Instrument of War. Parameters, 35(1), 81+.
Public Policy Issues for UK Broadcasting., (2000, July 24). New Statesman, 129,.
Shaw, C. (1999). Deciding What We Watch: Taste, Decency, and Media Ethics in the UK and the USA. Oxford: Clarendon Press.