![]() ![]() Comparison of how press freedom (monitored annually by Freedom House) relates to perceived control of corruption (measured by the Kaufmann-Kraay index) in different types of regimes finds that: in democratic (free) states there is a strong correlation, with half of the variation of the perceived level of corruption explained by the degree of press freedom in consolidating (partly free) democracies there is no such correlation in nondemocratic (not free) states there is a very modest correlation.Available empirical evidence suggests that in many countries the media does often promote transparency, despite constraints on journalists.However, to what extent and under what conditions do the media perform these roles effectively? Findings include the following: ![]() In theory, the news media can act as: (1) watchdogs, to provide a check on powerful sectors of society (2) agenda setters, raising awareness of social problems and (3) gatekeepers, bringing together diverse interests and viewpoints to debate issues of public concern. Further research is required to fully determine the relationship between a free media and democratic governance. Barriers to the fulfilment of these roles include restrictions on press freedom, market failures, lack of professional standards, weak civil society, and limitations in media literacy and public access to the media. This review from the World Bank’s Communication for Governance and Accountability Program finds that news media are important in furthering democratic governance, provided they are set up in a way that allows them to act as effective watchdogs, agenda setters and gatekeepers.
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