Media and Framing Discourse

Ideally, the institutions that are in place in democratic societies serve as the means through which the citizenry can influence and participate in shaping public policy and the decisions that affect the society as a whole.  A key component of this process is the public discourse that takes place; the conversations that take place at all social levels, the key topics and issues of the day, and the coverage and dialogue in the media surrounding common issues.  In every society and community different topics and issues are discussed publicly.  Not only that, but the factors that determine what gets discussed are different in every community.

One key factor in shaping this discourse today is the media.  If certain issues receive more coverage than others then they will be discussed the most, and politicians will need to ensure that they take a position and have a response tailored to these issues.  In politics it almost doesn't matter what issues our representatives are passionate about on a personal level.  What matters more is there positioning and popularity in terms of the primary topics of discussion - or the public discourse.

So it's important to consider the factors that influence this discourse such as the media.  Noam Chomsky's Manufacturing Consent explores the private sector's influence over the media and discourse.  In BC for instance, things like the clean energy act, which is arguably bankrupting BC Hydro, and the enbridge pipeline, have been overshadowed by the HST debate.  It's therefore arguable that there has not been sufficient dialogue surrounding these issues.

In a recent article in the Tyee, Kai Nagata notes that Quebecor is shaping the public discourse in a significant way, and in particular with respect to an issue that raises conflict of interest concerns.  He notes  specifically that if you:  "...immerse yourself in Quebecor content for too long and you might emerge thinking Québec is a rotting beehive of corruption, teetering on the verge of meltdown. A lonely island surrounded by a hostile anglophone sea, boatloads of would-be suicide bombers washing ashore. A small and homogenous tribe of people, threatened with extinction, their only hope being to pull a blanket of "culture" over their heads." 

So are you discussing the issues that matter most do you?  Do you know of events and issues that should receive more public awareness?  In a democracy, I believe it's our duty to be as informed as possible, and to find out about and engage in the issues that we believe are most important.  However, it's also very important to know the motivations and the factors influencing the topics that receive mainstream focus as well….