The Role of the Media as the Fourth Power in Democracy

Abstract

This article elaborates on the role of powers in a country so that its people can have in a higher economic, cultural level, differently put, in conditions of a high level of democracy. The six types of state systems are described in details: The Presidential, the Theocratic, the Military (Junta), the Monarchy, the Single-party system, and the Pluralistic System.
The democratic system in world history began in Ancient Greece, just when the parliament was formed as representative of the people, an institution that was created to draft the laws of the state. Before the creation of parliament, laws and their enforcement were drafted and ensured by the people themselves – known as direct representation of the people. This lawdrafting element was considered as the first power.
Afterwards, the second, law-executing power was established followed by the third law enforcement control power implemented by individuals and institutions, an element that onstituted legal institutions.
Once the three powers were established, the concept of democracy commenced, and it was the Greek philosopher Aristotle (384-322 BC) who clearly described the functions of the three powers and he is therefore considered as the first political scholar.
Over the years, the dissemination of information through the press, radio and television began, which are known by the name – the media. This institution gained such an importance that it was considered to be the fourth power in a democratic society.
Even in the dictatorial system the media did exist but it was completely politicized and informed on only news and events to the partystate interest. The title of the broadsheet newspaper “The Voice of the People” was quite significant and demagogic, since it was nothing but the voice of the sovereign.
The media plays two functions: to inform the public about the events to their interest and to give the public the space to express their opinions about the other powers.
After the overthrow of the dictatorship the media was seemingly depoliticized but actually, it is still dependent not only on one party but on different parties and business enterprises.
In addition, in these post-dictatorial years, the media is being damaged by the Myth of Modernization, as in most cases worthless programs are being broadcasted without any true values of culture, science or fashion or true interest for the young.
Under these conditions, it is the task of civil society and of the youth motivated for real democracy to play their part in improving the situation of the fourth power, of the media.