The media and Parliament : creating effective linkages for democracy (media coverage of the Parliament of Uganda)

Abstract

Parliament and the media in a well-established civil society share a responsibility to contribute to political, economic and social development in ways consistent with democratic principles. Both must be aware that economic development in particular is best achieved and sustained in societies that are democratic and well informed.

While respecting the right of individual societies to determine how best to apply democratic principles, Parliament should involve the media, and through them the public, in forming public policy. Parliament should empower civil society by opening up decision-making to enable the media to report on and participate in the debate over policy. It is then, and only then that the world, and especially countries of the South shall have an informed democracy, a democracy which goes beyond routine change of leaders to placing the people themselves at the center of efforts to improve their lot.