First, media improves government in the United States because it keeps the people informed about government's actions, and it keeps government informed about what the people want. The media often influence the actual agenda of the government, making sure that the requests of the people are often recognized at the higher levels. Journalists and reporters can have a huge effect on the decisions and policies of politicians, as they can say whatever they want about the actions of government. The media tells the American people what is really going on, for the most part, because most Americans would never be able to figure out what government is doing if they could not hear it on the radio or on the news. With the nationalizing of news, the media keeps the American people informed about what is going on in Washington D.C.. The media also plays an informative role in the election process. Without the media, it would be much more difficult for voters to attain information about the candidates they are voting for because they would really have to dig for information. But, because the media has become so involved in government, it helps to educate the American people about candidates and helps to guide the people to make an informed decision about who they think would represent them the best. Finally, the fact that the media is not regulated by government only furthers the strength of American democracy. Every opinion and voice is able to be heard in America, even if it is critical of government and its policies.
On the other hand, media can serve to undermine government and its policies. Sometimes the media gets involved too deeply and affects policies too much. Since journalists have a more personal relationship with politicians than most people, they can really sway the policies that that politician might endorse. Journalists are the ones who inform the people about that politician, and, in order for the politician to be portrayed in a good light, he may have to do a "favor" for the journalist. This fact undermines government because it causes some corruption. The media should not really have that much sway. Also, media can be very biased and can present information through a clouded glass. The media has the power to change people's opinions rather easily depending on what information they send to the public. If a journalist is biased toward one politician, he might make him seem like a better person even if the politician that journalist does not support is actually doing the right thing. This power of "framing", or the power to influence how events and issues are interpreted by the American people, can undermine the power of government. Media does have the power to influence Americans towards a negative or a positive outlook on government. Thus, media can undermine and effect popular opinion of the government.
In conclusion, the media is necessary in American government because it keeps the people informed about governmental actions, and it keeps the government informed about the will of the people. The media, though, must not abuse its power and influence in government so that government can run itself and not be run by the media. The media, too, must realize the effect what they say about government has upon the American people. Politicians must not allow journalists to take advantage of their situation, and they must not allow themselves to be affected too much by what the media portrays them as. As long as media assumes a responsible role in the government, they certainly improve government itself. But, if the media abuses its power and becomes too much of an influence in government, it can serve to undermine the power of government and influence the American people in a negative way.
