Does commercial ownership of the media encourage or inhibit democracy - Essay Example

mercial ownership of media inhibits the social equality and freedom of people with latest development in the media industry coupled with the negative aspects of globalization. Commercial ownership of media tends to impact editorial decision of publications. The outcome of such interference on the editorial board is either to include or exclude communication which becomes the liberty of one person while it serves as a hindrance to another. Though proprietors or commercial giants are required to refrain from influencing media for economical and financial gain to maintain credibility, there are arguments that commercial influence is indispensable.

The quality of communication determines the quality of the media and investigations are obstructed by political and commercial interference (McQuail, C. 1992. p.117). Transformation has been a continuous process since the beginning of civilizations. The beginning of civilization also marked the foundation for the exchange of information and content. From the age of signs and language till the current development of the information technology and the computer world, production, protection and distribution of information and images is core factor of social life.

(Thompson, J.B. 1995 p.10) Media communications are produced in the social context and therefore comprise the symbolic content for the audience to perform an action. Thus when a word is spoken or communicated it becomes the basis for another person to undertake an action and set up relationship with others in the society (p.12). For example, television news channels are on the race to broadcast contemporary issues. However, in certain cases these news channels have a different stand point. Some news and reviews favor corporate by instilling the opinion that the survival of multinational companies is essential for the sustenance of a region or nation.

This argument may be referred to the case of Coca Cola in India. Scientific results proved that the beverage